Abstract:
The present invention provides an envelope that converts from a larger envelope to a smaller envelope to enable the envelope to be reused when multiple page statements are mailed or when barcodes would otherwise prevent the reuse. A larger envelope can convert down to a smaller reply envelope, making the return envelope suitable for automated remittance processing. As such, envelopes may advantageously be provided that can be reused one or more times.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to and is a Continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/708,551 filed Feb. 19, 2010 and issued Nov. 4, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,985 of like title, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of provisional application No. 61/208,011, filed Feb. 19, 2009, the entire contents of each which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to envelopes that are sent as a first size envelope and returned as a second smaller size envelopes making the returned envelope compatible for remittance machines. In one manifestation, the present invention may also provide envelopes having a security tab and/or bridge structure formed by removing a tear strip on the envelope, allowing access into the envelope. 
     BACKGROUND 
     For statement and similar mail, such as might be used by telephone companies, utility companies and others who send several statement pages to each customer, a smaller businesses size envelope such as a number 10 may not be large enough. A larger size envelope referred to as a flat or half flat size envelope then typically may be used for these mailings. However, large envelopes of sizes such as a 9″×12″ or a 6″×9″ are typically not used for sending transactional mail to a lock box or remittance center, such as when a customer sends a payment or a direct mail solicitation reply by mail. Instead, and typically included in a statement mailing such as described, a separate reply envelope for the customer to return their payment to complete the transaction is included. 
     The main reason a reply envelope is added is because the larger envelopes are not the appropriate size for most high-speed automated remittance equipment. They are taller than the desired height of approximately 3.5″ to 4.4″. The reply envelope is only needed for remittance and adds costs because it is a separate envelope that needs to be manufactured, printed, shipped, stored, and inserted. Generally when a customer sends a payment for a bill or invoice by mail they send a payment coupon with their check in the reply envelope. A larger envelope that can carry multiple pages on the outgoing mailing is not required for the return when a single check and coupon are returned. For this purpose a smaller envelope is sufficient. In addition, a smaller reply envelope fits the optimal size requirements for remittance equipment, allowing the most efficiencies and cost savings for returned mail. 
     A majority of mail that is returned for paying a bill or responding to a solicitation is what is referred to as a reply envelope. The typical reply envelope is a No. 9 envelope which is approximately 3.875 inches high. Because there is a general conformity for the standard reply envelope size, companies responsible for collecting and processing the return mail optimize their machines to this standard size for speed and accuracy. Sizes outside the standard size are either unable to be processed through automated equipment or can slow the automated process down, costing companies extra money in processing and delaying payment from the customer. Thus a larger envelope for the outgoing is not feasible for remittance and a smaller reply size helps to ensure automated remittance processing and on time banking and payment. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a larger size envelope for sending the mail and a smaller size envelope for remittance that are functionally combined into a single envelope. A larger envelope is used to send multiple page documents and a smaller envelope is used to return the remittance statement and the payment. Thus, according to the present invention a large envelope is uniquely converted down to a smaller remittance size envelope for the return. 
     According to the present invention, only one envelope instead of two envelopes is required for both sending and returning, instead of one large envelope and one smaller envelope provided within the large envelope. This unique design can be applied to all sizes of envelopes and is not limited to any particular size of envelope. Converting a larger envelope to a smaller return envelope in accordance with the present invention enables automated remittance processing, saves money, preserves natural resources, and is a unique way to send statements, surveys, and direct mail that require a return mailing. 
     Additionally, conversion envelopes in accordance with the present invention include a simple method for removing barcodes commonly sprayed on the envelope. By removing an opening strip on the front and by removing the lower portion of the envelope, any barcodes applied can be removed. Envelopes and related methods of managing removal and/or obscuring of such barcodes are also described in Applicant&#39;s copending non-provisional patent application publication No. 2008/0041928, having Ser. No. 11/893,562, entitled “Reusable Envelope Structures and Methods”, filed on Feb. 24, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In addition to the foregoing patent application, other patent applications currently pending and assigned to the present assignee which have teachings that are or may be relevant to the present invention, the entire disclosure which is hereby incorporated by reference, include Ser. No. 14/321,784 entitled “Reusable Envelope Structures and Methods” filed Jul. 1, 2014; Ser. No. 13/488,928 entitled “Reusable Envelopes” filed Jun. 5, 2012; and Ser. No. 14/526,506 entitled “Expedited Two-Way Auto-Insertion Mailer” filed Oct. 28, 2014. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with description of the exemplary embodiments serve to explain the principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a view of the front of an exemplary reusable conversion envelope in accordance with the present invention showing a front panel with an upper portion of the envelope with a window, FIM, and postage area, a lower portion with a tab, a strip between two spaced apart perforations, a bridge portion to the left of the tab, and bottom edge lip below the tear off strip. For purpose of illustration a POSTNET barcode is shown in the lower right corner. In the window, the return address, the mailing address and the postage indicia is shown. 
         FIG. 2  shows the back of the exemplary envelope with the original seal flap on the bottom, and a perforation and a score line parallel to each other across the back panel. 
         FIG. 3  shows the original seal flap sealed to the back panel. 
         FIG. 4  shows the die cut tab for lifting the strip to open the envelope. The words “open here” with an arrow are also shown. 
         FIG. 5  shows the tab being lifted to begin the removal of the perforated opening strip. 
         FIG. 6  shows the perforated opening strip on the front panel partially removed. Removing the strip, in the illustrated embodiment, reveals marketing information that is placed under the removable strip for introducing an offer, or bringing attention to some significant information for the receiver. 
         FIG. 7  shows the opening strip torn from the front panel of the exemplary envelope revealing the full message or offer printed on the insert (if used). By pulling off the opening strip the bridge portion and bottom edge lip is created. The bridge and lip hold in the contents of the envelope for security. 
         FIG. 8  shows the section of the side seam that is connected to the perforated opening strip. The illustration shows the perforations for easily removing the side seam section when the opening strip is pulled off. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates how the section of the side seam is removed along the perforations by the opening strip. 
         FIG. 10  shows the perforated opening strip and the section of the side seam removed so the side of the second seal flap is created. 
         FIG. 11  shows the contents lifted over the bottom edge lip through the opening created by the perforated tear strip. 
         FIG. 12  shows that after the inserted material is removed a reply seal flap is apparent. Visible is a glue strip between a parallel perforation and a score line on the inside of the back panel. Also visible are the instructions, “Tear along perforation” and arrows pointing to the perforation. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the lower portion with the bridge and lip being torn along the perforation in the back panel. 
         FIG. 14  shows the lower portion of the exemplary envelope completely detached from the upper portion of the envelope. Removing the bridge and the section of the side seam on the left creates the left side of the reply envelope seal flap. Now visible is the reply envelope with the seal flap on the bottom ready to resend. Removing the lower portion of the envelope removes any barcodes that may have been sprayed on either the front or the back lower portion of the envelope. The barcodes remain with the lower portion that is discarded. Removing the barcodes is required for reusable envelopes to prevent the mail piece from looping back to the recipient when mailed a second time. 
         FIG. 15  shows the coupon for remittance being placed in the smaller reply envelope. The address will be visible in the original window. 
         FIG. 16  shows the converted smaller reply envelope ready to be mailed. The coupon is in the envelope with the return address showing through the window, the second seal flap is folded up and attached to the front panel, and a postage stamp is placed in the upper right corner for delivering the mail. 
         FIG. 17  shows an alternative embodiment to that illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather the exemplary embodiments described herein are chosen and described so those skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
     The present invention provides a unique way to convert a first mailing envelope such as a 6″×9″ size envelope illustrated by reference numeral  10  in the Figures to a smaller reply envelope  80  visible for example in  FIG. 14  that is compatible with remittance processing for managing reply mail for statement mail and direct mail. Unique in this approach is the removal of a section of both left  11  and right  12  side seams to form part of the reply envelope seal flap  61 . When a recipient receives envelope  10 , the recipient lifts a tab  13  and tears a section  14  of the front panel  15  along perforations  16 ,  17  to open the envelope. Perforations  16 ,  17  are illustrated in the preferred embodiment envelope  10  as being generally parallel, but it will be understood that other arrangements may be made, and as may be desired by those skilled in the art upon a reading of the present disclosure. 
     The perforated opening strip  14  may be connected to a section of the side seam  32  when the opening strip is pulled off, as illustrated for exemplary purposes in preferred embodiment envelope  10 . After perforated strip  14  has been pulled off, a bridge portion  18  and the bottom edge with a lip  19  is created. The bridge portion  18  and bottom edge lip  19  are part of the lower portion  20  of front panel  15  of the envelope. The original seal flap  30  is attached to the lower portion  21  of the back panel  51  on the bottom. 
     In accordance with the present invention the bridge  18  and lip  19  each function uniquely, both independently of each other and synergistically in combination, to keep the contents of envelope  10  from falling out if opening strip  14  is accidentally removed in mail processing or delivery. The bridge portion  18  is also connected to a section of side seam  11  opposite from the section of the side seam  12  removed by opening strip  14 . After envelope  10  is opened and contents  40  are lifted out, smaller reply envelope  80  is created from the original larger envelope  10  by tearing the lower portion  20  of envelope  10  along a perforation  50  in the back panel  51  visible from the inside when contents  40  are removed. Removing the lower portion  20  by tearing along perforation  50  in back panel  51  removes bottom edge lip  19 , bridge portion  18  and the side seam section  35  connected to bridge portion  18 , as well as the original seal flap  30  attached to the lower portion  21  of back panel  51 . Removing both sections of the side seams  32 ,  35  forms the edges of the reply envelope seal flap  61 . Removing the lower portion  20  of the original envelope  10  forms the edge of seal flap  61  for sealing reply envelope  80  for the return trip. 
     When the lower portion  20  is released from envelope  10 , what remains is the smaller reply envelope  80  with a seal flap  61  on the bottom, the original window  4 , and the upper section  63  of the original pocket  31  of the envelope  10 . To resend the new converted reply envelope  80 , seal flap  61  is folded up and attached to front panel  15 . In addition, by removing the lower portion  20  of the envelope, barcodes  70  the USPS may spray on the envelope are uniquely removed both on the front lower portion  20  and the back lower portion  21  of the envelope, preventing the newly created reply envelope  80  from looping. Looping is a phenomenon that occurs when a barcode that has been sprayed on an envelope by the USPS designates the present sender of the envelope, meaning the mail is returned to the sender rather the being delivered to the intended recipient. This can create very undesirable delay and added expense in the delivery of the envelope to the intended recipient. By removing any barcodes when the lower portion  20  of the preferred envelope  10  is removed, there is no chance for looping to occur. 
     A larger envelope such as a 6×9 or 9×12 that can carry multiple statement pages is often used for outgoing statement mail. Generally when a customer sends a payment for a bill or invoice by mail they send a payment coupon with their check in a reply envelope included with the statement. In this case, the larger outgoing envelope is impractical, potentially costly due to increased return postage, and too large to return only a coupon and check. Furthermore, the larger size does not fit most automated remittance machinery. For remittance of a coupon and payment a smaller reply envelope is an optimal size required for remittance equipment, allowing the highest efficiencies and cost savings for processing reply mail. 
     Most mail that is returned for paying a bill or responding to a solicitation generally uses a No. 9 size reply envelope for which the standard size is approximately 8⅝″ wide×3⅞″ high. Because there is a general conformity for this size envelope as the standard reply envelope size, companies responsible for collecting and processing the return mail optimize their machines to a standard size for speed, accuracy, and reporting of payments collected. Sizes outside a standard size cannot be automatically processed or slow the process down, costing companies extra money in processing and sometimes delaying payment from the customer. Thus, a larger envelope for the outgoing envelope is not optimal for remittance and a smaller reply size is critical to ensure on-time processing and payment. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a larger size envelope for sending mail such as statements and the like and a smaller size envelope for remittance are combined into one envelope. In this way only one reusable conversion envelope instead of two envelopes is needed. Converting a larger envelope to a smaller return envelope saves money, preserves natural resources, and is a unique way to send statements and direct mail that require a return mailing. In addition, the present reusable conversion envelope does not disrupt mailing processes because the envelope fits the specifications for outbound mail, and when converted for return mail, fits the specifications for current remittance technology. 
     Conventionally, whenever a large envelope is sent through the mail with some portion of the contents to be returned, a second envelope is placed in the originating envelope and used for returning a payment or other contents as prescribed. The method of sending and returning contents of mail is common. Also common is a reply envelope included with mail for customers to return a portion or all of the contents of the original mailing. Statement mail has an outer envelope and a reply envelope and is an example of this type of mailing. It is also known that sending a separate reply envelope prevents mail from looping back or being delivered to the sender if the USPS sprays barcodes on the front and back of the originating envelope. 
     Reply envelopes typically used for sending return mail such as payment coupons are designed to be a certain size to fit inside a carrier envelope and to run efficiently on remittance machines such as OPEX™ machines. Conforming to a specific size for reply mail for large statement mailers or direct mailers allows the processing of return mail to be mechanized and to run in a streamlined and uninterrupted manner, saving time and resources for receiving and banking payments or payment for fulfillment of an order. When statement mailers mail multiple page statements, a larger size envelope is required. For remittance in such a case a smaller envelope is added at an extra cost to the mailer. Having the correct size envelope for remittance keeps the remittance process—a time sensitive process—efficient, accurate, and keeps cost down. This is an important consideration for companies to determine revenue and record the customer payment. For this reason, envelopes compatible with current remittance technology are critical. A conversion envelope that originates as a larger envelope for outgoing mail that converts to a smaller reply envelope for the return that is compatible with remittance technology and saves the cost of a reply envelope is desirable because such envelopes saves time, money, and reduces the amount of paper needed to send transactional mail. 
     Conventional envelope manufacturing die cuts an envelope shape from sheets or rolls of paper. The cut out envelope shape is referred to as the blank. The blank is folded to create a pocket with a closure device. Generally there is a front panel, back panel, two side seams, generally one on the right and one on the left, and a remoistened or adhesive seal flap that extends from either the front or the back panel and folds over the opening and attaches to the opposite panel to close the envelope. To create an envelope, the back panel and front panel are folded together, the side seams are folded and glued to the back panel to create the pocket and the seal flap extends beyond the opening attaching either the front or the back panel. 
     Envelopes in accordance with the present invention include a front panel  15  and a back panel  51 . Extensions of front panel  15  include side seams on the right  12  and the left  11  and a seal flap  30  extending from the bottom of the front panel  15 . Preferred envelope  10  has opening  31  at the bottom. Nevertheless, the outgoing envelope opening  31  may alternatively be provided through an additional flap and adhesive strip at the top. 
     In accordance with the present invention, side seams  11 ,  12  are glued to back panel  51  with the exception of a section that is defined by parallel perforations  33 ,  36  on both the right and left side seams  11 ,  12 . The unglued section of side seams  32 ,  35  are in the same location on the left and right sides. As described below, when the unglued sections  33 ,  36  of the side seams sections on both sides of the envelope are removed, the reply envelope seal strip  61  left and right sides are defined. All other sections of the side seams  11 ,  12  on the left and right are glued to back panel  50  to create the pocket  31  of the envelope. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the side seam sections  32 ,  35  that are removed could have been die cut during the stage when the envelope shape is cut out during manufacturing. In high speed inserting it is critical there are no opportunities for materials to get caught on edges or openings resulting in jams or slow-downs. By leaving the unglued sections in the two side seams the possibility of materials getting caught in the edges of the side seam when the envelope is inserted is eliminated. If the side seam sections were cut out, edges from the cuts could catch inserted materials, causing a jam on high speed inserting equipment. Having the side seam function as one continuous side seam keeps the design within acceptable specification for high speed insertion. The sections that are not glued  32 ,  35  and are perforated  33 ,  36  do not interfere with the inserting process. These sections  32 ,  35  are uniquely designed to be easily removed in the process of opening the envelope and when the lower portion of the envelope is removed, forming the reply envelope as described in this patent. Having the side seam function as one continuous side seam is a very important feature for high speed inserting because it reduces the possibility of materials getting caught when inserted. In addition, removing the side seam sections is an important feature for converting a larger envelope to a smaller reply envelope as described herein. 
     Most conventional envelopes have the opening to the pocket of the envelope at the top. The seal flap folds from the front panel over the opening at the top and attaches on the back panel of the envelope. In the preferred embodiment, the opening to pocket  31  is on the bottom and seal flap  30  that is also on the bottom folds over the opening and attaches to the lower portion of back panel  51 . In an alternative embodiment, the outgoing opening and seal flap may instead be provided at the top of the envelope. 
     The front of the envelope is similar to other reusable envelopes and in the preferred embodiment for exemplary purposes is illustrated with a window  4  and FIM  28  (Facing Identification Mark allowed by the USPS on outgoing presorted mail for reusable envelopes. SEE Postal Bulletin February 2007). While a window is illustrated in the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that alternative addressing techniques may be provided, for exemplary and non-limiting purposes such as illustrated in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,571, the teachings and contents which are incorporated herein, and in commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 14/526,506 incorporated by reference herein above. In an alternative embodiment, multiple windows may be provided. Likewise, while FIM  28  is illustrated, it will be understood that other similar or equivalent marks may be used, or, where desired for a particular application, omitted entirely. 
     The window shows the address  22  block with a barcode  23  and postage indicia  24  printed on the insert  40 . The USPS allows postage included in the address block for outgoing presort mail using a barcode address. No postage is printed or applied to the originating envelope when the postage is in the address block. Having the postage in the address block showing through the window leaves the postage area (upper right corner)  25  on the envelope available for postage when the envelope is mailed a second time. These methods are conventional for reusable envelopes and are approved by the USPS. In an alternative embodiment, a two-way indicia may be printed on the outer envelope in the upper right corner, representing both outbound and return postage, as also disclosed in commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 14/526,506 incorporated by reference herein above. 
     On the back panel  51  of the current invention, unlike other reusable envelopes, are a score line  52  and a perforation  50  parallel to each other that extend the length of envelope  10 . Score line  52  defines the height of reply envelope  80  after envelope  80  is converted from original envelope  10 . The height of reply envelope  80  is measured from the score line to the parallel edge  53  of the envelope. The perforation  50  on the back panel will become the edge of the reply envelope seal flap  61  as described below. The back panel perforation  50  will be used to tear the upper  63  and lower portions  20 ,  21  of the envelope apart from each other to create smaller reply envelope  80  from original larger envelope  10 . The distance between score line  52  and perforation  50  on back panel  51  determines the height of seal flap  61  for resealing envelope  80  when sent as a reply envelope. For exemplary purposes only, and not solely limiting the invention to a particular dimension, if the distance between score line  52  and perforation  50  is ⅝″, then seal flap  61  is ⅝″ high. Score line  52  will be the fold line for the seal flap  61  of reply envelope  80 . Score line  52  is positioned to define the height of a conventional reply envelope for remittance machines. The lower portion  20 ,  21  of envelope  10  is removed by tearing along back panel perforation  50  and includes the lower portion  20  of the front of the envelope and the lower portion of back  21  of the envelope. In the preferred embodiment, the lower portion  20  of the front of envelope  10  includes security bridge  18  portion on front panel  15  connecting the upper portion  63  and the lower portion  20 ,  21 , and includes a bottom lip  19  of envelope  10  that securely holds the contents  40  in place until intentionally removed by the recipient. The lower portion of the back  21  of the envelope includes original seal flap  30 . When the lower portion  20 ,  21  of the envelope is torn along the back panel perforation  50  it removes the original seal flap  30  on back panel  51 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, front panel  15  has a tab  13  that is used for lifting a strip  14  with parallel-perforated lines  16 ,  17  that opens the envelope. The perforated opening strip  14  on front panel  15 , when removed, removes a section  32  of side seam  12  that is not glued as described above. The section of side seam  12  removed is defined by two lines of perforations  33 ,  16  in the side seam and is an extension of the perforated opening strip  14  from front panel  15 . For purpose of illustration, section  32  of side seam  12  is removed with the perforated opening strip  14  on the right side, but can be located and removed from either the right or the left side. This section  32  is not glued to back pane  51  and has perforations  33  allowing section  32  to be easily removed. The size of section  32  removed is directly related to the size of the second seal flap  61  for sealing reply envelope  80 . For example, if the second seal strip is ⅝″ wide then the section  32  of the side seam removed is ⅝″ wide. Perforated opening strip  14  for opening the envelope can be larger or smaller than the section of the side seam that is removed but in all cases the perforated opening strip  14  and the side seam  32  are considered one piece originating as part of the front panel  15 . In addition, removing perforated opening strip  14  on front panel  15  defines the security bridge portion  18  on front panel  15  and a lip  19  along the bottom edge. 
     Security of personal information is very important to the public. When sending statements companies take extra measures to protect personal information. Often there is a security tint printed on the inside of the envelope for this purpose. 
     A unique feature of the present invention is the described security bridge portion  18  and bottom lip  19  created when the perforated opening strip  14  for opening the envelope is removed. The bridge portion  18  and the lip  19  each independently of the other and synergistically in combination prevent contents  40  of the envelope from prematurely falling out if the opening is accidentally removed or opened in mail processing or mail delivery. In one alternative embodiment, lip  19  may be eliminated, such as by moving perforation  17  down to the very bottom edge of the envelope. In this embodiment, and if strip  14  is accidentally removed or opened, bridge portion  18  forms a security feature that will still retain the envelope contents therein. 
     Retaining the contents is very important in modern society, for several different reasons. The first is the inadvertent spilling of sensitive contents and the associated risk of unintentional disclosure of private personal information. Another is the associated risk of jamming machines and delaying mail processing. The security afforded by bridge  18  and lip  19 , either independently or synergistically, helps to avoid both of these risks. 
     For purposes of illustration, bridge  18  will be described on the left side but can be on either the right side, center, or the left, top or bottom. Bottom lip  19  for purposes of illustration will be on the bottom but can be on any side of the envelope. Similarly, opening strip  14  may be provided on either the front panel  15 , or the back panel  51 . 
     Bridge section  18  connects to the upper portion  63  of envelope  10  having window  4  and pocket  31  formed by front  15  and back  53  panel and glued side seams  11 ,  12 . The bottom edge of envelope  10  is what remains along the bottom edge when perforated opening strip  14  is removed from front panel  15 . Both bridge portion  18  and bottom edge or lip  19  are parts of the lower portion  20  of envelope  10 . 
     As an example, though not limiting the present invention thereto, an extension of perforation  27  at the top of the perforated opening strip  14  extends to the top of bridge section  18  continuing to approximately 1/4″ from the edge of the envelope. In this exemplary embodiment, perforation  27  extends to a position adjacent to the edge of the envelope, for exemplary purposes 1/4″ from the left edge of the envelope. 
     Having perforation  27  along the top of bridge  18  terminating adjacent to but some small distance from either the left edge of the envelope or in an alternative embodiment from both edges prevents a weakened edge at that point along the side of the envelope that can possibly cause weakness and tearing in mail processing. The perforation  27  at the top of bridge section  18  extends into side seam  11  becoming the top perforation for the section  35  of side seam  11  that is removed. The bridge portion  18 , like perforation opening strip  14 , is connected to section  35  of side seam  11  only on the left side, but could be on either side. Like perforated opening strip  14 , bridge portion  18  and side seam  35  are considered one piece originating as part of the front panel. Bridge portion  18  also connects the lower portion  20  of the envelope remaining after the perforated opening strip  14  is removed. Perforation  27  at the top of bridge  18  divides the upper portion  63  and lower portions  20 ,  21  of the envelope. Above perforation  27  is the upper portion  63 . Below the perforation  27  including the bridge  18  is part of the lower portion  21  of the back of the envelope. The lower portion  21  of the back of the envelope has the original seal strip  30  attached to it. The lower portion  21  of the back  51  of envelope  10  is defined by a perforation  50  that extends the width of the envelope. Parallel to the perforation on the back panel  50  is a score line  52  also extending the width of the envelope. The perforation  50  and score line  52  form the top edge (perforation) and the fold line (score) for the second seal flap  61  when the envelope has been converted to send as a reply envelope  80 . The perforation  50  also functions to separate upper portion  63 , including front  15  and back  51 , from the lower portion  20  front  15  and back  51  of the envelope to create the smaller reply envelope  80 . When the lower portion  20  of the envelope is removed, the perforation  27  at the top of bridge portion  18  is torn, releasing bridge portion  18  from front panel  15  and thereby allowing lower portion  20  to be completely separated from envelope  10 . 
     As illustrated, on back panel  51  is a score line  52  and a perforated line  50  parallel to each other extending across the width of the envelope. After the envelope is open by the perforated opening strip  14  on the front panel  15 , the recipient can remove contents  40 . When the contents are removed, the score line  52  and perforated line  50  on back panel  51  are visible from the inside of the envelope. Now visible between score line  52  and perforated line  50  on the inside is a glue strip  61  used for resealing the envelope a second time when the smaller reply envelope is returned. Glue strip  61  will remain part of the envelope body when the lower portion of the envelope  21  is removed. Glue strip  61  will function to seal the envelope to send the envelope a second time. 
     Removing perforated opening strip  14  reveals a portion of the contents  40  of the envelope. In some instances a marketing message  41  could be positioned in the opening that promotes a special offer or delivers an important message to the customer in an impactful manner. When the envelope is opened in the manner described, the inserted contents  40  can be removed by lifting over lip  19  on the bottom edge. Because lip  19  is at the bottom and the inserted material does not slide out, the present invention requires either bridge portion  18  and lip  19  to be removed, or the material to be lifted out over lip  19  at the bottom edge through the opening created by perforated opening strip  14 . When the contents are lifted out of the envelope the second seal strip  61  is visible in the back panel  51  as described above. 
     To manifest the reply envelope the lower portion  20 ,  21  of the envelope is torn along perforation  50  in back panel  51 . Tearing the lower portion  20 , 21  is accomplished by grasping the corner of the front bottom edge and tearing along the back panel perforation  50 . Tearing off the lower portion  20 ,  21  removes the bridge portion  18  along perforation  27  at the top of the bridge. Removing the bridge portion  18  removes the left section of side seam  35  and completely separates the lower portion  20 ,  21  from the upper envelope body  63 . What remains is the newly formed reply envelope  80  with the second seal strip  61  on the bottom and the upper portion of the original envelope  63 . The upper portion  63  has a window  4 , a pocket  81  formed by the remaining front panel  15  and back panel  51  and has the right and left side seams  11 , 12  forming the pocket  81 . 
     Lifting tab  13  and tearing opening strip  14  off, which removes the right side seam section  32 , opens the envelope creating the opening to lift the contents from the envelope. The lower portion  20  is released along the perforation on the back panel  51  and along perforation  27  at the top of the bridge portion. When bridge portion  18  is separated it removes the side seam section  35  on the left side. When the lower portion  20 ,  21  is removed it also removes the original seal flap  30  attached to the lower portion  21  of back panel  51  (when original seal flap  30  is on the bottom, as illustrated in the preferred embodiment envelope  10 ). The smaller reply envelope  80  is configured when the lower portion  20 ,  21  of the envelope which includes the bridge portion  18  is completely torn away leaving the upper portion  63  of the envelope, and a second glue line is folded from the back to the front and sealed. 
     In an alternative embodiment, perforation  33  may be eliminated, and instead the entire opening strip  14  may wrap about the envelope. In a further alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , reply envelope seal flap  61  has a diagonal, tapered, or “V” edge geometry, defined by either a “Z” shaped perforation  33 , or by a small triangular notch cut out of the side seam produced at the time of die cutting the blank. In the case of the “Z” perforation, this perforation extends from the front face  15  to the back panel  51  and connects perforation  27  and  33 . 
     When the lower portion  20 ,  21  of the envelope is removed it removes barcodes  70  the USPS may spray on the envelope to deliver the mail piece. The USPS sprays barcodes  70  to correctly identify the delivery address enabling the mail pieces to be sorted to the correct carrier route for delivering the mail. The USPS sprays the barcodes  70  if the address for some reason is unreadable by postal process equipment. On the front lower right corner the USPS will spray an IMb barcode if the address or the barcode in the address block is not readable by the mail reading and sorting technology. On the back of the envelope a fluorescent ID TAG may also be sprayed on the mail piece routing the piece to the correct location for US delivery. In Canada, a VES barcode may be sprayed. The sprayed IMb barcodes must be obscured or removed from the original mail piece to resend the envelope a second time. The IMb barcode is a priority code; 
     meaning the mail processing and sorting technology may read this barcode before reading the address block. If the sprayed barcodes remain on the envelope when the envelope is sent as a reply envelope the address has little significance and the mail will be routed to the address described in the sprayed barcode on the envelope. If these barcodes are the original address to the recipient and remain on the envelope when the recipient tries to resend the envelope with a new address, the sprayed barcode will route the mail back to the original address creating a “looping” of the mail. Looping prevents the mail from being delivered to the intended destination, will prevent or cause delays in payments, missed or delayed reply for special offers, and other inconveniences. By removing the lower portion of the described envelope, any POSTNET, ID TAG, VES and IMb barcodes or the equivalent are removed eliminating any opportunity for the mail to loop back to the recipient. 
     Other unique characteristics are: 
     
         
         
           
             Removal of original contents and return of the remittance portions of the statement or offer of an envelope from the front bottom part of the envelope; 
             A reusable envelope in one embodiment having the first seal flap attached to the back panel and the second seal flap attach to the front panel of the envelope; 
             Optionally having the first seal flap removed by removing a portion of the envelope; 
             A security corner such as created by bridge  18  in the preferred embodiment to prevent contents from falling out in case the opening strip was accidentally opened or torn off; 
             Converting a larger envelope to a smaller envelope that facilitates remittance processing; 
             A second closing flap with sealing capabilities created by removal of a portion of the original envelope; 
             A second glue strip, in the preferred embodiment located in back panel but in alternative embodiments in the front panel, for resealing the envelope for return; 
             An opening strip that facilitates removal of portions of the side seam; 
             Unique method of removing barcodes, that may be located on either or both of the front and the back with one action to ensure delivery and prevent looping, by removing a section of the envelope; 
             Removing the opening strip creates the security mechanism; 
             Opening can start at the edge of the envelope or on the face of the envelope, on the front or the back, top or bottom, or either side, but in the preferred embodiment starts offset from the edge to define a bridge structure; 
             There can be a tab, finger cut, or any other device to pull, lift, or tear the strip to open the envelope; 
             Having the first seal flap seal on the bottom when the mail originates creates may in a preferred embodiment create more effective marketing space on the inside of the envelope, not externally visible; 
             An envelope that is designed to convert to a smaller envelope to reduce the amount of paper needed to send mail to a recipient and back, eliminating the need for a separate reply envelope; and 
             An envelope that converts from an originating envelope to reply envelope. 
           
         
       
    
     Envelopes and a related methods are also described in the Applicant&#39;s co-pending Non-Provisional patent application publication No. 2008/0041928, having Ser. No. 11/893,562, entitled Reusable Envelope Structures and Methods, filed on Feb. 24, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     Reusable envelopes features and methods may be used in accordance with the present invention as are disclosed in the Applicant&#39;s co-pending Non-Provisional U.S. Patent Application filed on Jul. 31, 2003 having Ser. No. 10/632,489 and entitled “Environmentally Friendly Reusable Envelope Structures,” and Applicant&#39;s co-pending Non-Provisional U.S. Patent Application filed on Feb. 24, 2005 having Ser. No. 11/064,791 and entitled “Reusable Envelope Structures and Methods,” the disclosure of each are fully incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     The present invention has now been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments thereof. The entire disclosure of any patent or patent application identified herein is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. The foregoing disclosure has been provided for clarity of understanding by those skilled in the art. No unnecessary limitations should be taken from the foregoing disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made in the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.