Structurally enhanced envelope

Abstract

A structurally enhanced envelope includes a base, a cover coupled to the base via a hinge, and an interior space defined by the base and cover when in a closed configuration. The base and the cover can each include a panel and a wall extending away from the panel and that is positioned and extends along a perimeter of the panel. Additionally, the cover and base can be connected via a living hinge such that upon closing the living hinge, the cover is substantially aligned with the base with the interior space formed therebetween. Attachment mechanisms operable to couple the base and the cover can additionally, or alternatively, be included.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A structurally enhanced envelope, comprising:
 a base;   a cover;   a hinge connected between the base and the cover, the hinge being configured to facilitate movement of the base and the cover between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and   an interior space defined by the base and the cover when in the closed configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a panel and at least one wall extending a distance away from the panel, the at least one wall being positioned and extending a perimeter of the panel. 
     
     
         3 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 2 , wherein the cover comprises a panel and at least one wall extending a distance away from the panel, the at least one wall being positioned and extending a perimeter of the panel. 
     
     
         4 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 3 , wherein the wall of the base and the wall of the cover each comprises a recess, wherein one of the recesses is an exterior recess and the other recess is an interior recess. 
     
     
         5 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms, wherein at least a portion of a first attachment mechanism of the one or more attachment mechanisms is positioned on the perimeter of the panel and a complementary portion of the first attachment mechanism is positioned on a complementary perimeter of the cover. 
     
     
         6 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms, wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms are operable to selectively couple the base and the cover through one or more of an interference fit or a press fit connection. 
     
     
         7 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more attachment mechanisms, wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms comprise:
 one or more posts on the base or the cover; and   one or more complementary recesses on the other of the base or the cover.   
     
     
         8 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the one or more posts comprises a stem and a bulbous head and at least one of the one more complementary recesses comprises a shelf configured to engage the bulbous head to lock the bulbous head in the complementary recess. 
     
     
         9 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , wherein the base or the cover comprises a perforated section, wherein the perforated section extends between two or more sides of the base or the cover, and wherein perforation of the perforated section permits access to the interior space 
     
     
         10 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , wherein the hinge is a living hinge. 
     
     
         11 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , wherein one or more of:
 the structurally enhanced envelope comprises a weight of less than or equal to about 13 ounces;   the structurally enhanced envelope comprises a weight of less than or equal to about 4 ounces;   the structurally enhanced envelope is between about 0.009-0.75 inches thick;   the structurally enhanced envelope is between about 0.009-0.25 inches thick;   a length of the base is between about 5-15 inches;   a length of the base is between about 5-11.5 inches;   a height of the base is between about 3.5-12 inches; or   a height of the base is between about 3.5-6.125 inches.   
     
     
         12 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 11 , wherein the structurally enhanced envelope comprises an aspect ratio of between about 1.3-2.5, the aspect ratio being calculated as the length of the base divided by the height of the base. 
     
     
         13 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 1 , wherein the base and the cover comprise thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, plastic, rubber, silicone, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A structurally enhanced envelope, comprising:
 a base;   a cover, wherein the cover is sized and shaped to be complementary to the base;   a living hinge coupled to first sides of the base and the cover such that upon closing the living hinge, the cover is substantially aligned with the base and forms an interior space therebetween; and   one or more attachment mechanisms operable to couple one or more other sides of the base and the cover.   
     
     
         15 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 14 , wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms comprise an interference fit. 
     
     
         16 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 14 , wherein the base and the cover comprise quadrilaterals. 
     
     
         17 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 14 , wherein the one or more attachment mechanisms comprise:
 one or more posts on the base or the cover; and   one or more complementary recesses on the other of the base or the cover.   
     
     
         18 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the one or more posts comprises a stem and a bulbous head and at least one of the one more complementary recesses comprises a shelf configured to engage the bulbous head to lock the bulbous head in the complementary recess. 
     
     
         19 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 18 , wherein one or more of:
 the bulbous head is configured to break or separate from the stem upon the application of a force applied to separate the base and the cover; or   the stem is configured to break or separate from the base of the cover upon the application of a force applied to separate the base and the cover.   
     
     
         20 . The structurally enhanced envelope as in  claim 19 , wherein the bulbous head in configured to be retained in the complementary recess after either the bulbous head is broken or separated from the stem or the stem is broken or separated from the base or the cover.