Flat Envelopes with Pockets and Blank for Making Same

Abstract

In one embodiment, the flat one-piece blank is provided with two extensions that extend from the side flaps to fold over the front panel to form a two pocket center seam construction that qualifies as a flat envelope under USPS regulations. In a second embodiment, the blank is provided with an extension on each side flap that has an end to be folded under and secured to the front panel to form a pair of spaced apart pockets with a third pocket therebetween. In a third embodiment, the blank is provided with an extension on only one side flap to form a pocket

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flat blank for making a flat envelope, said blank comprising
 a front panel having a horizontally disposed score line spaced from a top edge thereof, a horizontally disposed score line spaced from a bottom edge thereof, a vertically disposed score line spaced from one side edge thereof, a vertically disposed score line spaced from another side edge thereof and a plurality of angularly disposed score lines, each said angularly disposed score line extending from an intersection of a respective horizontally disposed score line and a vertically disposed score line to a respective corner of said front panel;   a pair of side flaps extending laterally from said front panel for folding over said front panel, each said side flap including a first section extending from said front panel and a second section extending from said first section and a score line extending between said sections of said side flap;   an extension extending from at least one of said side flaps and having a terminal portion for securement to said front panel to form a pocket in the flat envelope;   a bottom flap extending longitudinally from said front panel for folding over said side flaps; and   a closure flap extending from said front panel on a side opposite said bottom flap for folding over said side flaps and closing said pocket.   
     
     
         2 . A blank as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said terminal portion has a line of weakening to define a pair of mutually foldable sections and a score line separating said pair of mutually foldable sections from a third section thereof. 
     
     
         3 . A blank as set forth in  claim 2  wherein another of said side flaps has an extension sized to fold over said pocket. 
     
     
         4 . A blank as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said bottom flap is of a height less than said extension. 
     
     
         5 . A blank as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a second extension extending from the other of said side flaps and having a terminal portion for securement to said front panel to form a pocket in the flat envelope. 
     
     
         6 . A blank as set forth in  claim 5  wherein each said terminal portion includes a pair of lines of weakening to define two pairs of mutually foldable sections, a first score line separating said two pairs of mutually foldable sections and a second score line separating a third section from said two pairs of mutually foldable sections. 
     
     
         7 . A blank as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said bottom flap is of equal height to each said extension. 
     
     
         8 . A flat envelope comprising
 a front panel having a horizontally disposed score line spaced from a top edge thereof, a horizontally disposed score line spaced from a bottom edge thereof, a vertically disposed score line spaced from one side edge thereof, a vertically disposed score line spaced from another side edge thereof and a plurality of angularly disposed score lines, each said angularly disposed score line extending from an intersection of a respective horizontally disposed score line and a vertically disposed score line to a respective corner of said front panel;   a pair of side flaps folded over said front panel, each said side flap including a first section extending from said front panel, a second section extending from said first section and a score line extending between said sections of said side flap;   an extension extending from at least one of said side flaps and having a terminal portion folded under and secured to said front panel to form a pocket in the flat envelope;   a bottom flap extending from said front panel and folded over said side flaps and said extension; and   a closure flap extending from said front panel on a side opposite said bottom flap and folded over said side flaps and closing said pocket.   
     
     
         9 . A flat envelope as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said terminal portion includes a line of weakening defining a pair of mutually foldable sections and a score line separating said pair of mutually foldable sections from a third section thereof. 
     
     
         10 . A flat envelope as set forth in  8  wherein a second extension extends from another of said side flaps and has a terminal portion secured to said front panel to form a pocket in the flat envelope. 
     
     
         11 . A flat envelope as set forth in  claim 10  wherein each said extension includes a pair of lines of weakening to define two pairs of mutually foldable sections, a first score line separating said two pairs of mutually foldable sections and a second score line separating a third section from said two pairs of mutually foldable sections. 
     
     
         12 . A flat envelope as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said bottom flap has an upper edge even with an upper edge of said extensions. 
     
     
         13 . A flat envelope as set forth on  claim 11  wherein each said pocket is laterally spaced from another pocket