Abstract:
An envelope having a base panel, folded side panels and folded end panels forms a pouch. A selected item is received in the pouch. The folded end panels have uncoverable adhesive strips and entry indicators such that the end panels may be attached to the envelope and severed from the envelope in a predetermined sequence. Security tape is disposed over the severed entry indicator and the severed end panel to secure access to the selected item and to permanently affix the entry indicator to the envelope. A method of using the envelope is disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an envelope for containing an item to which access must be controlled and for identifying those persons who have accessed the contained item. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     There are many situations where selected items must be retained with access to the items limited to authorized persons. These situations arise in diverse fields such as law enforcement, legal offices, courts, postal offices, government, etc. The selected items may be objects or documents related to evidence in criminal situations, suspected counterfeiting. classified or otherwise sensitive documents. In several widely publicized criminal cases, there have recently been allegations of poor police control of evidence which has been a major factor in the verdict. 
     A simple routing envelope is frequently used in industry and government to forward a document to another office and is capable of being readdressed and reused. However, there is no secure means to limit access to the contents nor is there any record of who has had access to the contents. Certified Mail, Express Mail and courier services can be used to transmit a sealed envelope with a record of the receiving party, but there is no control after the envelope has been delivered. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 930,837 to Bushnell, Jr. discloses an envelope with gussets for filing or carrying correspondence. A tape is provided to tie the envelope. Thayer, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,091,172 discloses a return envelope including respective flaps having addressing surfaces on each flap. The inner surface of each flap has a gummed surface. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,755, Cieslak et al disclose a multiple use greeting card having a plurality of signature locations for a record of who has seen the card. Drabish, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,157 discloses a reusable greeting card which has several removable signature sections. 
     The applicant is unaware of any envelopes which may contain selected items to which access is limited and which controls multiple access to the contained items with an identification of all persons who have had access to the contained items. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an envelope to securely retain a selected item and which can be opened multiple times and resealed, with a recordation of the identity of the person opening the envelope. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of securely transmitting a selected item in an envelope maintaining a record of all persons having access to the selected item. 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed an envelope having a base panel having two opposing foldable side panels and two opposing foldable end panels. 
     The end panels are approximately perpendicular to the side panels. The side panels are folded to partially overlap one another and are fixedly attached together thereby forming a pouch between the base panel and the overlapping side panels. The pouch is accessible adjacent to each end panel, wherein a selected item may be received in said pouch. At least one of the end panels has a plurality of spaced-apart uncoverable adhesive strips disposed on an underside of the at least one of the end panels defining a like plurality of spaced-apart entry indicators on an opposite upper side of the at least one of the end panels opposite from each adhesive strip, forming a plurality of spacers therebetween. A permanent securing means is formed on the other end panel distal from the base panel. The end panels are folded toward one another over the overlapping side panels. The other end panel is permanently secured to the overlapping side panels. The at least one of the end panels is adhered to the overlapping side panels by the uncoverable adhesive strip. An entry is made on the entry indicator of a first person having access to the selected item. A security tape is disposed over the entry indicator preventing alteration thereof and securing the at least one of the end panels to the overlapping side panels. In this manner, the next adjacent spacer is sequentially opened by a person to gain access to the selected item, the identity of the person being entered on the next adjacent entry indicator, the selected item being replaced in the pouch, the next adjacent entry indicator being adhered to the overlapping side panels by the uncoverable adhesive strip and the security tape being disposed over the entry indicator and the at least one of the end panels such that a permanent record is maintained of persons having access to the selected item. Unauthorized access is prevented. 
     In another aspect, there is disclosed a method for securely transmitting a selected item in an envelope maintaining a record of all persons having access to the selected item. An envelope is formed having a base panel, two opposing foldable side panels and two opposing foldable end panels connected to the base panel. At least one of the end panels has a plurality of spaced-apart uncoverable adhesive strips disposed on an underside thereof defining a like plurality of spaced-apart entry indicators on an opposite upper side, thereby forming a plurality of segments and a plurality of spacers therebetween. The other end panel has a permanent securing means thereon distal from the base panel. 
     The side panels are folded to partially overlap one another. The overlapping side panels are fixedly attached together thereby forming a pouch between the base panel and the overlapping side panels, the pouch being accessible adjacent to each end panel. A selected item is disposed into the pouch between the base panel and the overlapping side panels. The end panels are folded at a respective fold line toward one another over the overlapping side panels. The other end panel is permanently secured to the overlapping side panels. The adhesive strip on one of the segments is uncovered and the one of the segments of the at least one of the end panels is adhered to the overlapping side panels adjacent to the permanently secured other end panel. Identification information is entered on the entry indicator of the adhered segment of the at least one of the end panels. A security tape is placed over at least a portion of the adhered segment to indicate tampering. In a predetermined sequence, a next adjacent spacer is severed to gain access to the selected item in the envelope. The adhering of the next adjacent segment, the entering of the identification information and the placing of the security tape is repeated, thereby assuring controlled access to the selected item and permanent recording of each access to the selected item. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the laid open envelope. 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the laid open envelope. 
     FIG. 3 is an end view of FIG. 2 with the item made thicker for ease of viewing. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 2 with the item made thicker for ease of viewing. 
     FIGS. 5-10 are a sequence showing folding of the side panels and the end panels. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing overlapping folding of the side panels over the base panel. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the overlapping side panels fixedly attached to one another forming a pouch available from each end with a selected item being inserted. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the folding of an end panel over the overlapping side panels forming a security fold. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the folded end panel permanently secured to the overlapping side panel. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the folding of the opposite end panel over the overlapping sides forming an opposite security fold. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the closed envelope with a security tape disposed on one of the entry indicators. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-section view taken across the lines  11 — 11  of FIG.  10 . The figure is schematic for ease of illustration. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-section view taken across the lines  12 — 12  of FIG.  10 . The figure is schematic for ease of illustration. 
     FIGS. 13-17 are a sequence showing opening of the envelope, gaining access to the selected item, replacing the selected item and resealing the envelope. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing opening of a next adjacent spacer. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing unfolding the at least one end panel. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing removal of the selected item. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing replacement of the selected item into the space between the base panel and the overlapping side panels. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the envelope showing two segments sealed with security tape. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another embodiment in which all of the segments on the at least one end panel are sealed with security tape and a spacer on the other end panel is being opened. 
     FIG. 19 is perspective view showing the other end panel unfolded and the selected item being removed. 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the selected item being replaced adjacent to the other end panel. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the other end panel secured with security tape. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, an envelope  10  has a base panel  12 . A first side panel  14 , a second side panel  16 , a first end panel  18  and a second end panel  20  are connected to the base panel  12  with the end panels  18 ,  20  being approximately perpendicular to the side panels  14 ,  16 . The side panels  14 ,  16  are fixedly attached together such as by a permanent adhesive  22  on the surface of one of the panels  14 ,  16 , by staples between the panels  14 ,  16  or by other means known to persons skilled in the art. A pouch  24  is formed between the base panel  12  and the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16 . The pouch  24  is accessible adjacent to each end panel  18 ,  20 . At least one accordion-like fold  26  (or gusset) is formed on each side panel  14 ,  16  such that the pouch  24  is expandable to receive selected item(s) of varying size. The selected item(s)  28  may be objects or documents related to evidence in law enforcement applications, sensitive business or government documents, samples of materials or substances which should have limited access. Other uses for the envelope may be found as known to persons skilled in the art. 
     At least one of the end panels  18 ,  20 , or preferably, both of the end panels  18 ,  20  has a plurality of spaced-apart uncoverable adhesive strips  30  formed on the underside thereof. Each adhesive strip  30  is covered with a removable release protective strip  32 . On the opposite, upper side of each end panel  18 ,  20 , there is defined a plurality of spaced-apart entry indicators  34  which are directly opposed to the adhesive strips  30 . 
     On each entry indicator  34 , there is provided space for entry of at least the name or initials of the person gaining access, a location, a time and a date. If required, additional information may be entered. A plurality of spacers  36  are formed between the spaced-apart segments which are the adhesive strips  30 /entry indicators  34 . Preferably, the segments are marked with an indicator index (numerical or alphabetical). 
     On the second end panel  20 , distal from the base panel  12 , there is formed a permanent securing means  38 . This may be any means known to persons skilled in the art such as a permanent adhesive, staples or other means which provide indications of opening or attempts at opening the securing of the end panel  20 . When the second end panel  20  is folded over the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16 , as described above, the distal portion of the second end panel  20  is folded to approximately the longitudinal mid-point of the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16  where the distal portion of the first end panel  18  approximately abuts the distal portion of the second end panel  20 . The second end panel  20  is secured to the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16  for reasons as will be described. 
     When the end panels  18 ,  20  are folded toward one another, each panel is folded at a fold line  40 . The fold includes a segment of each of the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16  thereby forming a security fold  42  under each folded end panel  18 ,  20 . The security folds  42  prevent unauthorized and undetected external access to the selected item  28  within the pouch  24  since it is not possible to reach between the adhered portion of the end panel  18 ,  20  and fold to access the pouch  28 . The security fold  42  requires an approximately 180° bend to have external entry. Entry is possible only by unfolding the end panel  18 ,  20 . 
     The envelope  10  is formed as described above by folding the side panels  12 ,  14  to overlap and fixedly attaching the side panels together forming the pouch  24  between the base panel  12  and the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16 . The selected item  28  is disposed in the pouch  28  and the end panels  18 ,  20  are folded toward one another about a respective fold line  40 . The distal portion of the second end panel  20  is permanently secured to the overlapping side pouch  14 ,  16 . Alternately, the envelope  10  is provided to the initial user as a preformed item with the second end panel  20  folded and secured. The initial user places the selected item  28  into the pouch  24  and removes the removable release protective strip  32  from the uncoverable adhesive strip  30  on the first end panel  20  distal from the base panel  12  (and distal from the fold line  40 ). The uncovered adhesive strip (segment No. 1) is adhered to the overlapping side panels  14 ,  16  adjacent to the secured second end panel  20  and the envelope  10  containing the selected item  28  is completely sealed on all sides. The initial user enters the required information on the entry indicator  34 . A security tape  44  is placed over at least a portion of the adhered segment of entry indicator  34  adhered with the opposing adhesive strip  30 . It is preferred that the security tape cover at least a portion of the entry on the entry indicator  34  and at least a portion of the edge of the entry indicator so that there is a clear indication of alteration or tampering. Preferably, the entire entry indicator  34  and the seam between the adjacent entry indicator  34  is covered by the security tape  44 . The security tape  44 , preferably, also overlaps the outer edges of the entry indicator and attaches to the base panel  12 . The security tape  44  is an adhesive-backed tape which has a plurality of spaced-apart micro-slits formed therein such that complete removal of the tape is virtually impossible. The security tape  44  tears into multiple sections if removal is attempted. Also, the adhesive is very strong such that if removal is attempted, a portion of the surface to which the security tape  44  is adhered is retained on the security tape  44  showing discontinuity in the entry on the entry indicator  34 . It has been found that a product distributed by Lynn Peavey Co. under the name “ZIPR-WELD” has been satisfactory. 
     After the initial user is finished with the contents and has the material properly sealed as shown in FIGS. 13-17, the envelope can be transported to another office or investigator. If the second investigator needs to examine the selected item  28 , he/she will sever the spacer  36  between position #1 and #2 marked on the first end panel  24  that was sealed and secured by the first entrant. After the second person is finished examining the selected items  28 , he/she will perform the same task as person #1. He/she will remove the removable release protective strip  32  from the next adjacent segment (No. 2) and will reseal the first end panel  24  by abutting the second segment to the first segment that was adhered and security sealed by the first user. The second user will enter the required information on the second entry indicator  34  and will place security tape  44  over the second entry indicator and the seam between segments 1 and 2. In this manner, each entry indicator with information about the entrant is permanently affixed to the envelope. 
     The same procedure will be repeated for all other access into the envelope up to the last entry indicator  34  on the first end panel  26 . (This would be segment No. 4 as shown on the figures but could be a greater or lesser number depending upon the size of the envelope and/or the amount of information desired on the entry indicator. If more information is desired, each entry indicator would be larger in area resulting in fewer segments.) In one embodiment, the envelope would be used to capacity. 
     In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18-21, the second end panel  16  is also formed with uncoverable adhesive strips  30  and entry indicators  34 . These would be identified as segments 5, 6 and 7 in an envelope of the size shown in the figures but, as noted above, is not limited to this number. Access Nos. 5, 6 and 7 will be made and sealed in the same manner except entry No. 5 is made by severing the spacer  36  adjacent to the permanent securing means  38  on the second end panel  20 . This will enable the fifth user to gain access into the envelope from the opposite end of the envelope. That is the reason for opening on either end. Users  5 ,  6  and  7  will sever, seal and add security tape in the same manner as the previous four people. All entrants will be required to enter the information specified on the entry indicator  34 . Thus, in a predetermined sequence, the present invention assures controlled access to the secured item. 
     As noted above, the envelope  10  may vary in size. A preferred size for the folded envelope is 12½ inches in length and 9½ inches in width. This size can comfortably contain documents of 8½×11 inch dimensions and also can accommodate seven entry indicators to provide adequate information on the entrants. It is preferred that the envelope be formed from a sturdy material to retain the selected item and to resist tearing of the envelope. It has been found that a product known as “Herculink” is satisfactory. The product includes fibrous nylon to resist tearing and/or bursting. One side is coated to be waterproof and moisture resistant. 
     Thus, the present invention fulfills a longstanding need for controlling access to selected item(s) and providing a permanent record of those persons who had had access to the selected item(s). 
     Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein.