Improvements in or connected with Envelopes, Envelope Bags, Postal Wrappers, Postal Cards, Combined Paper and Envelopes, and the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in or connected with Envelopes, Envelope Bags,
Postal Wrappers, Postal Cards, Combined Paper and Envelopes,
and the like.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD KELLY, of Kilmore Lodge, Artane, in the County of Dublin,
Gentleman, do hereby delare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention relates to improvements in or connected with envelopes, envelope
bags, postal wrappers, postal cards, combined paper and envelopes and the like.
Envelopes as at present constructed are designed to receive the name, address,
and postage stamp upon the back and upon the front they are furnished with a gum
coated flap, which after the letter or other enclosure is placed in the envelope should
be moistened and sealed down in order to secure the contents of the envelope
inviolate.
This formality is however frequently neglected with the result that the contents of
the envelope are exposed to the dishonest or curious, whilst even when sealed in the
first instance the flap in damp weather is liable to come open in transit.
Now amongst others one of the objects of the present invention is to obtain a
simple and inexpensive envelope or the like which will be of such a nature that the
difficulties herein before pointed out will be obviated without the necessity for the
employment of sealing wax except in special cases.
For this purpose the envelope is so formed that the flap comes down onto the front
or address side of the envelope so that it is sealed by the postage stamp or stamps as
the case may be, and thus an accident of the character herein before pointed out is
rendered impossible and the difficulty of surreptitiously opening the envelope by
steaming the flap will be much increased.
In carrying the invention into effect according to one arrangement, the envelope
blank at the top corners is cut away so as to leave the sealing flap which extends the
entire length of the envelope and in some cases beyond, whilst at its sides the blank
is formed with horizontal slits so that when that part of the blank below the flap is
horizontally doubled in half the side pieces co-extensive with the horizontal slits
may be folded so that one set of the side pieces may be permanently gummed onto
the front or address side of the envelope interiorly whilst the other set may be
gummed to the back of the envelope but on the exterior thereof or conversely thus
forming an envelope possessing unusual strength to resist internal pressure.
As a modification of this device one set of side pieces might be either partially or
entirely dispensed with, and the remaining side pieces cemented to the interior and
exterior of the envelope.
An envelope of this character, or of that first described, may have a black border

page_text: printed around the bottom and side edges on the address side, and it may also be
provided with two side strips on the back in order to constitute a mourning
envelope.
The two side strips on the back are designed to strengthen the envelope and
continue the black border around the side walls, and the depth of the mourning
border should correspond with the width of the strip which may be varied as circum-
stances demand.
As a further modification the sealing flap may be arranged at the side of the
envelope, and in some cases two sealing flaps may be employed one at the top or
bottom but preferably the top, and one at the side or end, and in this case the
postage stamp would seal both flaps.
For one form of postal wrapper one of the side pieces at one side of the wrapper
may be dispensed with so that the remaining side pieces which may be gummed or
ungummed can be loosely folded within the side so as to hold the enclosure against
accidentally falling out of the wrapper.
For a registered post case or envelope the device may be formed as for an envelope
but with an opening or special arrangement to display an address written upon an
envelope enclosing a letter or other article and placed within the case.
The case is provided with a flap which is adapted to be sealed to the latter by
means of a postage stamp or stamps representing the registration fee, and thus a
double protection against tampering will be afforded.
As a further modification an envelope or sheet of note paper and envelope com-
bined may be formed by cutting away the angles at one end and by forming two
corresponding slits in each side, when the blank may be folded so that the ends of
one set of side pieces engage the flaps whilst the other set of side pieces are
cemented onto the end of the face of the packet and the top flap at its ends is
similarly cemented.
Or a combined sheet of paper and envelope having the required security may be
formed by sealing the sides of the blank at opposite points near the top to form the
top flap, and by cutting away portions of the sides at opposite points so that when
the bottom of the sheet is turned up the uncut portions of the lower part thereof
form flaps adapted to be turned in, whilst the upper and similar portions are received
into the fold between the two main parts, whilst this principle may be extended so
as to give a larger sheet of paper for writing or printing upon whether it be desired to
employ it as a letter or circular.
In a similar way a case may be formed within which a registered letter or other
article may be placed for security and thus sent through the post or otherwise
conveyed.
It will be obvious that the principle of the enclosing side flaps or enclosed front or top
flaps may be further varied if desired whilst in some cases the top flap may be made
sufficiently deep to receive the address, whether used as an envelope, wrapper, or
otherwise.
In some forms the envelopes, wrappers, or the like hereinbefore described are
reversible and convertible as will be readily understood.
The devices hereinbefore described may be of any desired shape, material, or
colour in whole or in part and the arrangement of the flaps and the number and
arrangement of the side pieces or flaps may be varied according to circumstances,
whilst the device may with slight modifications be employed for purposes other than
postal purposes if thought fit.
By suitably gumming the flaps or side pieces and making the sheet or wrapper of
suitable extent it may be transmitted a number of times to and fro through the post
or other medium, the used part being removed or turned in after each transmission.
Dated this 5th day of October 1897.
WHITE & WOODINGTON,
27, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents.

page_text: Improvements in or connected with Envelopes, Envelope Bags,
Postal Wrappers, Postal Cards, Combined Paper and Envelopes,
and the like.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD KELLY, of Kilmore Lodge, Artane, in the County of Dublin,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
The invention relates to improvements in or connected with envelopes envelope
bags postal wrappers, postal cards, combined paper and envelopes and the like.
Envelopes as at present constructed are designed to receive the name, address, and
postage stamp upon the back and upon the front they are furnished with a gum
coated flap, which after the letter or other enclosure is placed in the envelope should
be moistened and sealed down in order to secure the contents of the envelope
inviolate.
This formality is however frequently neglected with the result that the contents of
the envelope are exposed to the dishonest or curious whilst even when sealed in the
first instance the flap in damp weather is liable to come open in transit.
Now, amongst others, one of the objects of the present invention is to obtain a
simple and inexpensive envelope or the like which will be of such a nature that the
difficulties herein before pointed out will be obviated without the necessity for the
employment of sealing wax or the like except in special cases.
For this purpose the envelope is so formed that the flap comes down onto the
front or address side of the envelope so that it is sealed by the postage stamp or
stamps as the case may be and thus an accident of the character herein before pointed
out is rendered impossible and the difficulty of surreptitiously opening the envelope
by steaming the flap will be much increased.
In carrying the invention into effect according to one arrangement the envelope
blank at the top corners is cut away so as to leave the sealing flap which extends the
entire length of the envelope and in some cases beyond whilst at its sides the blank
is formed with horizontal slits so that when that part of the blank below the flap is
horizontally doubled in half the side pieces co-extensive with the horizontal slits may
be folded so that one set of the side pieces may be permanently gummed onto the
front or address side of the envelope interiorly whilst the other set may be gummed
to the back of the envelope but on the exterior thereof or conversely thus forming an
envelope possessing unusual strength to resist internal pressure.
As a modification of this device one set of side pieces might be either partially or
entirely dispensed with and the remaining side pieces cemented to the interior and
exterior of the envelope.
.
An envelope of this character or of that first described may have a black border
printed around the bottom and side edges on the address side and it may also be
provided with two side strips on the back in order to constitute a mourning
envelope.
The two side strips on the back are designed to strengthen the envelope and
continue the black border around the side walls and the depth of the mourning
border should correspond with the width of the strip which may be varied as
circumstances demand.
As a further modification the sealing flap may be arranged at either side of the
envelope and in some cases two sealing flaps may be employed one at the top or
bottom but preferably the top and one at the side or end and in this case the postage
stamp would seal both flaps.

page_text: For one form of postal wrapper one of the side pieces at one side of the
wrapper may be dispensed with so that the remaining side pieces which may be
gummed or ungummed can be loosely folded within the side so as to hold the
enclosure against accidentally falling out of the wrapper.
For a registered post case or envelope the device may be formed as for an envelope,
but with an opening or special arrangement to display an address written upon an
envelope enclosing a letter or communication or other article and placed within the
case.
The case is provided with a flap which is adapted to be sealed to the latter by
means of a postage stamp or stamps representing the registration fee and thus a
double protection against tampering will be afforded.
As a further modification an envelope or sheet of note paper and envelope com-
bined may be formed by cutting away the angles at one end and by forming two
corresponding slits in each side, when the blank may be folded so that the ends of
one set of side pieces engage the flaps whilst the other set of side pieces are cemented
onto the end of the face of the packet and the top flap at its ends is similarly
cemented. Or a combined sheet of paper and envelope having the required security
may be formed by sealing the sides of the blank at opposite points near the top
to form the top flap and by cutting away portions of the sides at opposite points
so that when the bottom of the sheet is turned up the uncut portions of the lower
part thereof form flaps adapted to be turned in, whilst the upper and similar portions
are received into the fold between the two main parts and this principle may be
extended so as to give a larger sheet of paper for writing or printing upon whether it
be desired to employ it as a letter or circular or otherwise.
In a similar way a case may be formed within which a registered letter, docu-
ment, notice, or other article may be placed for security and thus sent through the
post or otherwise conveyed.
It will be obvious that the principle of the enclosing side flaps or enclosed front or
top flaps may be further varied if desired whilst in some cases the top flap may be
made sufficiently deep to receive the address, whether used as an envelope, wrapper
or otherwise.
In some forms the envelopes wrappers or the like herein before described are rever-
sible and convertible as will be readily understood.
The devices hereinbefore described may be of any desired dimensions, shape,
material or colour or colours in whole or in part and the arrangement of the flaps and
the number and arrangement of the side pieces or flaps may be varied according to
circumstances, whilst the device may with or without slight modifications be
employed for purposes other than postal purposes if thought fit.
By suitably arranging folding and gumming the flaps or side pieces and making the
sheet or wrapper of suitable extent it may be transmitted a number of times to and
fro through the post or other medium the used part being removed or turned in after
each transmission.
And in order that the said invention may be more clearly understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed aided by the accompanying drawings more fully to
describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is an inside view of an envelope blank constructed according to the
present invention.
Figure 2 is a similar view but showing the same partly folded.
Figure 3 is a plan or top edge view thereof.
Figure 4 is a face view of the envelope enclosing a letter and closed ready for nase

page_text: Figure 8 is a front view of a mourning envelope constructed according to the present
invention, and
Figure 9 is a back view thereof.
Figure 10 represents an envelope blank with the gummed flap at the end instead of
the top or side.
Figure 11 is a similar view representing a further modification of this device.
Figure 12 is a view showing the envelope folded in readiness for use.
Figure 13 represents the same device closed and ready for transit.
Figure 14 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 13.
Figure 15 represents an unsealed envelope adapted to carry a circular and
Figure 16 is a similar view showing the same ready for post.
Figure 17 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 16.
Figure 18 is a similar view to Figure 15, but representing a slight modification.
Figure 19 is a similar view but showing the envelope closed.
Figure 20 is an inside view of a blank adapted to form a registered case to contain
a letter enclosed in an envelope.
Figure 21 is a face view thereof showing the same closed and the letter in
place.
Figure 22 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 21.
Figure 23 represents a blank for an envelope of a slightly modified form.
Figure 24 is a face view thereof showing the envelope folded but unclosed.
Figure 25 is a vertical section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a face view of the envelope showing the same closed.
Figure 27 represents an envelope blank of further slightly modified construction.⚫
Figure 28 is a face view of the envelope showing the same folded but
unclosed.
Figure 29 is a vertical section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 28.
Figure 30 is a horizonal section taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 28.
Figure 31 is an inside view of a blank suitable to form a wrapper for book post
purposes or to be used as an envelope.
Figure 32 is a face view of the saine showing it folded and closed.
Figure 33 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 32.
Figures 34 to 40 represent various examples of combined note-paper and envelopes
or wrappers.
In the several figures like parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
Referring to Figures 1 to 5 a represents the front of the envelope, a¹ represents the
back thereof and a² represents the closing flap which is provided with a gummed
edge a* and is adapted to fold down onto the front or address side of the envelope so
that it is sealed by the postage stamp or stamps b as the case may be as represented
at Figure 4, and thus an accident of the character herein before pointed out is rendered
impossible and the difficulty of surreptitiously opening the envelope by steaming the
flap a² will be much increased.
The envelope blank at the top corners is cut away at ³ so as to leave the sealing
flap a² which extends the entire length of the envelope whilst at its sides the blank is
formed with horizontal slits a' so that when the blank is doubled in half upon the
dotted line a*1 (Figure 1) the sets of side pieces a5 a5* co-extensive with the horizontal
slits a may be folded as represented by the dotted lines a** so that one set of side
pieces as may be permanently gummed onto the front a or address side of the
envelope interiorly, whilst the other set a5* may be gumined to the back a¹ of the
envelope but on the exterior thereof as represented at Figures 4 and 5, thus forming
an envelope possessing unusual strength to resist internal pressure, or the converse
arrangement may be employed if desired as will be readily understood.
In the example given at Figure 6 the device is substantially the same as that
herein before shown and described except that one of the side pieces a** is dispensed
with but otherwise the envelope is made in a similar manner.
up
In the example given at Figure 7 the device is further modified by the removal of

page_text: the other side flap a* leaving those a which may be gummed to the interior or
exterior of the front a as desired.
In the example given at Figures 8 and 9 a similar envelope is shown to that
represented at Figures 1 to 5 but provided with a black border a printed around
the bottom and side edges on the address side or front a of the envelope and also on
the back of the flap a² so: that when folded it will complete the border as repre-
sented at Figure 8 and the side flaps a5* of this envelope may also be blacked on
the back thereof, so that when gummed to the back a' they will represent two
vertical black strips as represented at Figure 9, and thus a mourning envelope will
be formed,
The two side strips a* gummed to the back of the envelope are designed to
strengthen the same and continue the black border around the same and the depth
of the mourning border should correspond with the width of the strips which may
vary as circumstances demand. Or for some purposes colours may be sub-
stituted for the black.
In the example given at Figure 10 the device is similar to that represented at
Figure 1, but in this case one of the end flaps a³ is provided with a gummed edge a*
and adapted to form a sealing flap.
In the example given at Figures 11 to 14 two sealing flaps are provided one a² at
the top and another as at the side both provided with gummed surfaces a* and the
parts are in this case so arranged that the postage stamp will seal both flaps as
indicated at Figure 13.
In the example given at Figures 15 to 17 which represents an open ended envelope
or postal wrapper the device is made out of a blank somewhat similar to that repre-
sented at Figure 1 except that one of the strips a* is dispensed with and the
remaining strip a5 at that end of the device is normally turned in as shown at
Figures 16 and 17 so that the circular c or the like may be filled into the envelope
or wrapper as into an ordinary envelope, and the flap a² may then be cemented
down in the ordinary way as represented at Figure 16 and the circular will thus be
held against accidentally falling out, its contents will be screened from the public
gaze, whilst at the same time access will be afforded to the postal authorities so that
it will travel at the cost of one halfpenny and at the same time the package will
have all the appearance of an ordinary letter.
If desired either set of strips or flaps as a* may be left ungummed and turned
inside the wrapper, but the former is the preferred arrangement.
In the example given at Figures 18 and 19 a slightly modified construction of seal-
ing flap a² is shown formed with gummed extensions 2* adapted when the part a² is
gummed down to fold round onto the hack of the envelope and be there secured as
represented at Figure 19 thus affording greater security than with the ordinary
flap.
In the example given at Figures 20 to 22 a registered post case is shown formed
of a blank similar to that represented at Figure 1 and adapted to be made up into an
envelope in a similar way but the side flaps a5 a5* are folded in the reverse order to
that shown at Figures 1 to 5 and in this case an opening a7 is formed in the front of
the case so that a letter enclosed in an envelope may be placed therein in such
manner that the address upon the envelope appears at the opening a' and thus a
person may enclose his letter in an envelope in the ordinary way at home and address
the same and then proceed to the Post Office and purchase a registered case of the
character above described and enclose the same therein without further necessity for
writing as shown at Figures 21 and 22 the flap a² being sealed by means of the stamp b
which may represent the registration fee, and thus a double protection will be afforded
against tampering with the contents of the letter.
In the example given at Figures 23 to 26 the blank to form the envelope is very
similar to that represented at Figure 1, except that the sealing flap is provided with
extensions * similar to those represented at Figure 18 and used in a similar way,
whilst an additional flap a³ is employed which is adapted after the letter is inserted in

page_text: the envelope to be turned in over the same as represented more particularly at
Figure 25 so as to securely hold the latter against accidental. displacement.
It will be obvious that this blank instead of being made up into an envelope may
be employed as a combined envelope and sheet of note-paper to be written upon and
then folded and sealed in the manner indicated in the drawings.
In the example given at Figures 27 to 30 a somewhat similar device is shown but in
this case the side strips or flaps a* are dispensed with and the flap a' is made co-
extensive with the sealing flap a² so that the ends thereof a** may be turned in as
shown more particularly at Figures 28 and 30 for the purpose of rendering the
contents more secure, whilst in some cases said flaps may serve to hold the stamp for
a reply.
.
In the example given at Figures 31 to 33 a blank is shown suitable for
use as a combined envelope and sheet of paper or as a book post or other
wrapper.
In this case the flap a² is deepened to receive the address and provided with ex-
tensions a²* and a flap as provided with extensions * similar to that shown at
Figure 27 is employed and this flap as is adapted to be turned up as shown by the
dotted lines in Figure 31 and the extensions * are then turned round the enclosure
the blank is then folded upon the horizontal dotted lines and the end strips a are
turned in in the ordinary manner of a book packet so as to. give access to the con-
tents whilst the upper edge is sealed by the placing in position of the stamp bas
indicated at Figure 32.
If desired the extensions as* may be gummed so that when it is desired to form a
combined envelope and paper the blank may be inverted and the flap as* and exten-
sions as may be employed in the same manner as the flap a² and extensions a2* in
which case the surfaces would of course be gumined in a similar way.
In this way the blank may serve as a registered case or cover for a letter or other
communication or article to be sent through the registered post or otherwise con-
veyed.
In the example given at Figures 34 and 35 are shown blanks suitable to be folded
either as combined letter paper and envelopes or as registered cases to enclose letters
envelopes and the like, the principle being that all the side pieces a5 and exten-
sions a²* as* may be gummed either in the course of manufacture or otherwise so
that the blank may be utilised several times for transmission through the post by
removing the parts written upon and utilising those remaining,
In the example given at Figure 36 is shown the manner of folding a blank such
as that shown in Figure 35 the packet c being placed in position and all the side
pieces as with the exception of the two sets at the upper part of the blank being
turned in so that the blank may be folded on the dotted lines with the packet inside
and the upper side pieces a2* folded round and utilised to seal the packet.
In the example given at Figure 37 a somewhat similar blank is shown, but this is
more especially intended to be reversible so that having been used upon one side for
the letter and address it may be turned over and the other side utilised in a
similar way.
In the example given at Figures 38 to 40 a blank is shown with the surfaces of the
side pieces and extensions gummed in the requisite manner to enable any part of
the blank to be torn off and the remainder written upon and folded so as to form an
enclosure as indicated at Figure 39 whilst in Figure 40 a similar blank is shown from
which the upper part has been cut away after transmission through the post the ex-
tensions a being shown still adhering to the blank.
It will be obvious that the principle of the enclosing side flaps may be further
varied whilst if desired the top flap may be made sufficiently deep to receive the
address as shown at Figures 31 to 40 whether the device is used as an envelope,
wrapper, or otherwise.
The devices hereinbefore described may be of any desired shape, material, or colour
in whole or in part and the arrangement of the flaps and the number and arrange-
ment of the side pieces or flaps may be varied according to circumstances, whilst the

page_text: device may with slight modifications be employed for purposes other than postal
purposes if thought fit.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
i
1. An envelope or the like formed from a blank provided with side pieces adapted
to fold around or over one another in the folding of the envelope in order to
strengthen the same and a gummed flap co-extensive with the envelope so as
to embrace the strengthened part and so arranged as to close onto the front or address
side of the envelope so that it may be sealed by the postage stamp substantially as
herein shown and described.
2. An envelope or, the like of the character referred to in the preceding Claim One
of the end or side strips of which is gummed and left loose in the folding of the
envelope so that it may be closed over the top flap and the two sealed by the postage
stamp substantially as herein shown and described.
3. An envelope or the like of the character referred to in Claim 1 provided with
gummed extensions to the top flap substantially as herein shown and described and
for the purpose stated.
4. An envelope of the character referred to in Claim 1.provided with an opening in
one face adapted to expose the addressed side of a letter or the like enclosed therein
substantially as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
5. An envelope or the like of the character referred to in Claim 1 provided with an
additional top flap turned into the envelope substantially as herein shown and
described and for the purpose stated.
6. A combined sheet of paper and envelope or wrapper provided with several side
strips and with supplemental sealing flaps so that the used parts may be removed and
the remainder employed for a reply communication substantially as herein shown and
described and for the purpose stated.
Dated this 5th day of July 1898.
WHITE & WOODINGTON,
Rooms 221-225, Birkbeck Bank Chambers,
Southampton Buildings, London, Agents.