Abstract:
A photo mailer and frame combination having a single blank or sheet with fold or score lines permitting portions of the blank or sheet to be folded over and secured to provide a photo enclosing pocket to be used as a postal mailer and a cover portion carrying indicia for inside message information and outside mailing information. The cover and pocket portions being adapted to convert the mailer upon receipt by the addressee into a frame for display of the photo. A display window is provided for photo viewing when converted to a frame and support structure is included for supporting the mailer when converted into a photo frame or holder.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of Provisional application Ser. No. 60/290,110, filed May 11, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of mailing envelopes and pouches, and more particularly to a novel mailer which includes a unitary constructed envelope comprising a sheet having an inside message portion which when folded over upon itself defines a pocket or envelope into which photos, cards, or the like may be deposited for mailing. The mailer includes a mounting portion for supporting a photo for display purposes when received by the addressee. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     In the past, it has been the conventional practice to mail photos, cards or the like in envelopes which are merely a sheet folded over upon itself to define a pocket into which the photo, card or the like is releasably supported. The sheet further includes a closing flap which folds over the entrance to the envelope and seals so that the contents of the pocket will not be dislodged or fall from the envelope. In some instances, padding such as plastic bubbles or the like are placed inside the envelope for protection of photos during transit. 
     Although conventional envelopes do include an area on the front space of the envelope to which addressee and addressor information is placed, there is usually not a message area inside the envelope for carrying a short salutation, greeting or message. Also, the conventional envelope is not used for mounting of photos after it has been received by the addressee as the conventional envelope is usually discarded. Still other problems are encountered which stem from the fact that the paper stock used for envelopes is very thin and light so that rips and tears are easily encountered as the envelope passes through normal mail handling procedures. 
     Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a mailing envelope or mailer for photos or the like that is reinforced so as to prevent tearing, rips or damage during mailing processing, and which can further be employed as a frame or mounting for photographs after the mailing procedure has been completed. Also, provision should be made for carrying a brief message on the inside of the envelope as well as protecting a photo or the like during transit. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a novel photo mailer which includes an elongated sheet or blank which has three score lines placed in fixed, spaced-apart relationship across the width of the sheet and which are adapted to be folded over by portions of the sheet so as to provide a pocket and a message area and a closure flap. Reinforcing thicknesses may be placed along the edge marginal regions of the sheet to provide stiffness and stability which prevents rips, tears, or the like from occurring during the mailing procedure. The portion of the sheet defining the envelope or pocket is provided with score lines so that upon receipt of the mailer, the addressee may separate a portion of the pocket whereby the separated portion serves as a mounting for a photo. To support the photo, the separated portion is provided with angular cuts so as to insertably receive corners of the photo for mounting. In another version, the sheet may be merely reverse folded by the addressee so that the photo mounting portion is supported by the message portion of the mailer while fully displaying the photo from the surface thereof. 
     In another version, the blank or sheet includes two spaced-apart horizontal fold lines with a third fold line normal to the horizontal lines which joins with an extension flap foldable over and edge secured to provide a photo pocket. The flap includes a viewing window for an enclosed photo or the flap may include slits for insertably receiving corners of the photo. A closure flap or portion includes a tab or adhesive means for retaining the mailer in its mailing condition. 
     Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a novel photo mailer which not only includes a protective pocket for the photo, but includes an internal message carrying area for greetings, salutations or other indicia. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel mailer having an internal message portion, a pocket portion for a photograph, and wherein the pocket portion can be used as a display stand for the photo by the addressee at completion of the mailing and delivery process. 
     Another object of the present invention resides in providing a mailing envelope or mailer for a photograph having reinforced edge marginal regions to prevent damage to the envelope and which further includes mounting means for the photo after received by the addressee. 
     A further object resides in providing a photo mailer enclosing a photo during the mailing process and which permits portions of the mailer to be reverse folded to provide a frame for photo storage and display. 
     Still a further object resides in a novel photo mailer formed from a single blank or sheet which provides a photo enclosure pocket, a release closure for securement in a mailing position and support means providing a display frame or holder for the photo when received by the addressee. 
     Another object resides in a combined photo mailer and display frame combination having a scored blank or sheet adapted to be folded over upon itself to provide either a mailer with a portion of the blank or sheet protecting the photo or a frame with the portion of the blank or sheet supporting the photo for visual display. 
     The combined photo mailer and display frame incorporates a single blank of foldable material separable into various portions that folded over define either a postal mailer or a display frame. 
     The combined photo mailer and display frame may exhibit the photo upon receipt by the addressee in a hanging position, an angular position or in a vertical or horizontal position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a reduced, front elevational view illustrating a combined photo mailer and display frame incorporating the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the envelope shown in FIG. 1 having a message portion displayed as well as an envelope or pocket portion of the mailer for holding a photo; 
     FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the combined mailer and frame shown in FIG. 2 as taken in the direction of arrows  3 — 3  thereof; 
     FIG. 4 is a reduced perspective view illustrating the combined mailer and frame shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 employed as a mounting and display device for the photo; 
     FIG. 5 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 4 illustrating a different mode of photo mounting and display using the combined mailer and frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another version of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrows  7 — 7  of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the photo mailer and frame combination shown in FIG. 6 taken in the direction of arrows  8 — 8  thereof; 
     FIG. 9 is a layout illustration of a single blank or sheet from which the photo mailer is formed, illustrating the inside thereof preparatory to folding; 
     FIG. 10 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 9 illustrating the outside of the photo mailer; 
     FIG. 11 is a reduced front perspective view of the photo mailer similar to the photo mailer shown in FIG. 6 which includes a transparent or translucent window covering the enclosed photo; 
     FIG. 12 is a layout view of the version of a photo mailer shown in FIG. 11 incorporating the present invention wherein the transparent or translucent sheet forms a portion of the pocket per se; and 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the photo mailer shown in FIG. 11 when used as a photo display frame and holder. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 1, the novel photo mailer is illustrated in the general direction of arrow  10  which includes a sheet of material having at least three fold lines as indicated by fold line  11 , fold line  12 , and a fold line  13 . The mailer includes an exposed front surface  14  suitable for carrying addressee and addressor information. As is the usual practice, addressee information is indicated in the area illustrated by numeral  15  while addressor information is carried in an area identified by numeral  16 . A suitable stamp or other postage indicator is carried in an area  17 . It is noted that the mailer is closed by means of a flap  18  which is folded about fold line  11  so as to enclose a card or photo  20  within the mailer. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the opposite or inside surface of the mailer from surface  15  is indicated by numeral  21  and serves as a message portion on which salutations, congratulatory messages, personal message or the like can be carried. Also, it can be seen that the flap  18  includes a peel strip  22  which when removed reveals an adhesive  23  which is used to close the flap  18  when folded about fold line  11 . 
     FIG. 2 also illustrates that a pocket or envelope portion is defined by means of a panel section  24  that is folded along fold line  12  so that its extreme end terminates adjacent fold line  13 . An entrance to the pocket or envelope is open between the terminating edge of the section  24  and the fold line  13  through which the card or photo  20  may be inserted so as to be covered and protected by the pocket. Also, the lateral edge marginal regions of the unitary sheet of material forming the pocket and the message area may be reinforced by an added thickness of material as identified by strip  25  and  25 ′. The strips may be provided on either side of the mailer or on one side as desired. However, it is noted that lateral strips  26  and  27  not only reinforce the edge marginal regions of the pocket but serve to close the ends of the pocket when folded over the portion  24  and secured by adhesive or the like. One edge of the portion  24  is indicated by numeral  28  which resides below the strip  27 . Also, it is to be noted that the surface  30  of the portion  24  includes angular slits or cutouts such as indicated by numeral  31  which are intended to be used after the mailing procedure for supporting the corners of the photo for display purposes. However, it is to be understood that during the mailing procedure, the corners of the photo  20  may be inserted through the angular slots for stability and packing of the photo. For example corner  32  of the photo is inserted under the slit or strip  31  to hold the corner of the photo. The other three corners are held in position in a similar manner. It is also to be noted that the portion  24  may include side perforations  33  and  34  that are immediately adjacent the strips  26  and  27 . Once the mailer has been received by the addressee, the envelope may be opened and a segment  29  of the portion  24  may be separated from the side strips  26  and  27  by tearing down the slots or perforations  33  and  34 . This segment of the panel portion may now be used to display the photo as indicated in FIG.  4 . 
     In FIG. 4, it can be seen that when the portion  24  is folded along fold line  12  in a reverse manner, the photo  20  is exposed for display purposes as mounted. The perforations  33  and  34  have been broken so that the side edges of portion  24  are exposed and are indicated by numerals  35  and  36 . 
     However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the photo  20  may readily be exhibited without tearing the perforations  33  and  34  by merely folding the sheet on fold line  13  in a reverse manner. 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the novel mailer  10  of the present invention not only includes an internal envelope for holding the photo but that portion of the mailer serves as a mounting for displaying the photo once received by the addressee. Also, it is to be noted that the mailer is composed of a single elongated sheet or blank that has been folded along three fold lines to provide the various sections or portions and that reinforcing flaps or strips can be also incorporated into the sheet. The slots or slits for receiving the corners of the photo also lighten the overall weight of the envelope which is a distinct advantage in view of postage being calculated on the basis of weight. Preferably, the sheet for the mailer is composed of a cardboard having a thickness sufficient to resist normal tear and wear while being handled through the mailing procedure. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by arrow  40  wherein the photo mailer includes a single sheet or blank of material divided into portions by score or fold lines. For example, numeral  41  indicates a back portion of the blank or sheet while numeral  42  represents a cover portion and numeral  43  indicates a closure flap. The blank or sheet prior to folding is indicated in broken lines and the broken lines portion of the blank or sheet are indicated by the numerals with prime marks. A frame portion of the blank or sheet is indicated by numeral  44 . Either the back portion  41  or the frame portion  44  can carry the photo by any suitable means. For example, a photo is indicated by numeral  45  and the corners of the photo are insertably received within slots, such as slot  46 , in the back portion  41 . However, it is to be understood that the slots for receiving the corners of the photo may alternately be included on the frame portion  44  and such slots are indicated in broken lines on the broken line showing of the frame portion indicated by numeral  44  prime. In solid lines, the frame portion  44  includes a central opening  47  which surrounds the photo  45 . The edge marginal region of the frame portion  44  may be scalloped or include other decoration or display characters at the selection of the user. If the photo  45  is mounted on the inner surface of the back portion  41 , the photo is observable through the opening  47  through the edge marginal region of the frame portion  44 . However, should the photo be mounted on the frame portion  44 , then there is no necessity to have an edge marginal region which surrounds the photo. It is to be understood that other means for mounting the photo onto either the back portion or the frame portion can be considered such as a low contact adhesive or the like. 
     It can be seen further in FIG. 6 that the back portion  41  is integrally attached to the cover portion  42  by means of a fold line  50 . The opposite edge of the cover portion  42  includes a fold line  51  which connects with the closure flap  43 . In a similar fashion, a fold line  52  integrally connects the outside edge of the back portion  41  with the frame portion  44 . Once the mailer has been received by an addressee, the blank or sheet can be folded along the respective fold lines into the configuration shown in solid lines. In this configuration, the closure flap  43  becomes a base for the frame while the cover portion  42  becomes a support for the backframe  41  carrying the photo  45 . The frame portion  44  is illustrated as being folded over to either display the photo  45  carried on the frame portion or if the frame portion includes an edge marginal region defining opening  47 , the photo will be displayed therethrough. 
     When the mailer is used as a frame holder for the photo, the edge marginal region  53  of the closure flap may include residue adhesive so that the edge marginal region  53  can be folded up and adhesively engage with the frame portion  44  along the lower or bottom edge thereof. However, another means for attaching the closure flap  43  may include a tab  54  which is outlined by a perforation  55  so that the tab  54  can be punched out from the closure flap  43  and folded along fold line  56  whereby it may be inserted into an opening between the opposing surfaces of the frame portion  44  and the back portion  41 . The adhesive for the closure flap is indicated by numeral  57  if used. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, a gap  59  is defined between the opposing surfaces of the frame portion  44  and the back portion  41 . The tab  54  is inserted into the gap or opening  59  as previously described. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, the alternative method of affixing tab or edge marginal region  53  to the back portion  41  is illustrated in which the low contact adhesive  57  is used to adhere the edge marginal region  53  to the backside of the back portion  41 . The means for attachment are alternative between the methods illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 9, an inside or reverse layout illustration is provided showing that the various portions of the photo mailer are integrally formed from a single blank or sheet. The adhesive  57  may be covered temporarily by a peel-off strip  60  and the inside surface of the cover portion  42  may include an area for carrying a personal message or the like and the area is indicated by numeral  61 . Also, it can be seen that the frame portion  44  may be folded over by means of fold line  52  and the end edge marginal region  62  affixed to the back portion  41  by means of an adhesive  63 . Therefore, a slot or gap  59 , as shown in FIG. 7, may be created in which to receive insertion of the tab  54  into the slot or gap  59  as shown in FIG.  7 . As illustrated in FIG. 9, the frame portion  44  includes a plurality of slots such as slot  64  which may readily insertably accept the corners of the photo  45  as previously described. It is to be understood that such slots may be placed on the portions  41 ,  42 , and  61 , as previously described and indicated by numeral  46  in FIG.  6 . 
     Referring now in detail to FIG. 10, the outside or obverse of the mailer is illustrated in which the frame portion  44  includes an edge marginal region forming a frame margin identified by numeral  49  carried on the back portion  41 . The opening  47  may be scalloped or straight edged depending on the decoration selected. The frame  44  may include any type of indicia, graphic representations or alpha/numeric data for decorative purposes. Also, the cover portion  42  may include on its outside, or external surface, information pertaining to an addressee indicated by numeral  65 , an area  66  for carrying sender information and numeral  67  indicating placement of a postage stamp. 
     In FIG. 11, a photo mailer is illustrated as folded over by a recipient so a frame or holder is provided for visually displaying the photo  45 . The frame portion  44  exposes the photo through opening  47  which may or may not have a clear window  72  attached to the inner surface of the frame portion. The closure flap  43  serves as a base with the edge marginal region carrying either the residue adhesive  57  engaged with the frame portion or alternately, the tab  54  may be inserted into the gap  59  as shown in FIG.  7 . The cover portion  42  serves as a back or rear support while the opposing surfaces of the frame portion  44  and back portion  41  provide a pocket for insertably receiving the photo  45 . 
     Referring now in detail to FIGS. 12 and 13, the novel photo mailer incorporating the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow  70 . The basic blank or sheet is divided into portions as previously described. However, frame portion  44  includes a cut-out opening  47  which is covered by a transparent or translucent sheet  72 . The edge marginal regions of the sheet  72  are fixly secured to the inside surface of the frame portion  44  by suitable adhesive or the like. Furthermore, when the frame portion  44  is folded along fold line  52 , the peripheral edges of the inside surface of the frame portion  44  are secured to the opposite edges of the base member or back member  41 . Adhesive  73  and  74  carried in strips will engage with the respective adjacent surfaces of the frame portion  44  and secure the frame portion to the back portion  41 . At this time, a photo as indicated by numeral  75  in FIG. 13 can be inserted between the opposing surfaces of the frame portion  44  and the back portion  41  so that the photo will be displayed through the window  47  and the transparent panel sheet  72 . The flap  54  may be inserted into a gap or opening  59  as shown in FIG. 7 or the edge marginal region of the closure flap can be adhered as previously described and shown in FIG. 8 with its residue adhesive  57 . 
     An alternate construction is to provide a frame portion  44 ″ as downwardly depending from the back portion  41  rather than outwardly extending in a side or lateral direction. Fold line  52 ′ attaches frame portion  44 ″ to the back portion  41  so that all fold lines are in parallel spaced-apart relationship. The photo can be carried on the frame portion  44 ″ as previously described. All fold lines may be scored, reduced thickness, perforations, slots or the like. 
     Fold line  52 ′ may include a slot for insertably receiving tab  54  or residue adhesive may be used to secure the flap  43  to the back portion. 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the photo mailer of the present invention may include a frame which includes printed decoration or may include scalloped or other shaped openings to reveal the photo behind it. The photo may be held in position by insertion into a pocket defined between the opposing surfaces of the frame portion  44  and the back portion  41  or the photo may be displayed through a transparent pane or sheet  72  which forms part of the pocket. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.