IP Library Granted Patent US 8,287,004
Granted Patent B2
US 8,287,004 · App. 12/512,291 · Granted Oct 16, 2012

Reusable windowed envelope

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,287,004
App. No.
12/512,291
Granted
Oct 16, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A reusable mailing envelope includes a plurality of panels which, in combination, define a pocket for receipt of internal content material. One of the panels includes a window adapted to receive printed information to facilitate routing of the mailing envelope during the initial mail delivery. The reusable envelope also includes a means for preventing the readability of the printed information on the window during a subsequent mail delivery such that the routing instructions associated with the initial mail delivery are not interpreted and executed by the automated scanning equipment during the subsequent mail delivery.

Claims (13)

1. A mailpiece for delivery by a delivery agent and adapted for reuse, the delivery agent employing a system for printing information on the mailpiece to facilitate delivery of the mailpiece, comprising:

content material;

a reusable envelope including a plurality of panels defining a pocket for receipt of the content material, one of the panels including at least one window having a region adapted to receive the printed information during the initial mailpiece delivery;

a background strip viewable through the at least one region of the envelope to minimize a level of contrast relative to the printed information for preventing the readability of the printed information upon reuse of the mailpiece;

a transparent film formulated to be receptive to inkjet print; and wherein the background strip is disposed on a portion of the content material so as to be viewable through the transparent film and comprises a color which reduces a level of contrast between the inkjet print disposed on the transparent film and the background strip.

2. The mailpiece according to claim 1 wherein the transparent film is a hydrophilic material.

3. The mailpiece according to claim 2 wherein the background strip is disposed on a portion of the content material so as to be viewable through the transparent film and comprises a color which reduces a level of contrast between the inkjet print disposed on the transparent film and the background strip.

4. The mailing envelope according to claim 3 wherein the window defines a first region for viewing a destination address printed on the content material and a second region adapted to receive the printed information.

5. The mailpiece according to claim 2 wherein the background strip is disposed on one of the panels of the envelope and internally of the pocket, the background strip being viewable through the transparent film and comprises a color which reduces a level of contrast between the inkjet print disposed on the transparent film and the background strip.

6. The mailing envelope according to claim 5 wherein the window defines a first region for viewing a destination address printed on the content material and a second region adapted to receive the printed information.

7. The mailpiece according to claim 1 wherein the background strip is disposed on one of the panels of the envelope and internally of the pocket, the background strip being viewable through the transparent film and comprises a color which reduces a level of contrast between the inkjet print disposed on the transparent film and the background strip.

8. The mailing envelope according to claim 7 wherein the window defines a first region for viewing a destination address printed on the content material and a second region adapted to receive the printed information.

9. The mailing envelope according to claim 1 wherein the window defines a first region for viewing a destination address printed on the content material and a second region adapted to receive the printed information.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 19, 2025
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: PITNEY BOWES, INC.
Reel/Frame 070256/0396 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 1, 2019
From: PITNEY BOWES INC.; NEWGISTICS, INC.; BORDERFREE, INC.; TACIT KNOWLEDGE, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 050905/0640 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 30, 2009
From: ROSEN, ALAN; DAHL, ALLISON; QUINE, DOUGLAS B.; REICHELSHEIMER, JAY
To: PITNEY BOWES INC.
Reel/Frame 023027/0047 →