WO1996027819A1

WO1996027819A1 - Transparent envelope with foldable pocket flap for information display

Info

Publication number: WO1996027819A1
Application number: PCT/IS1996/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helgi E. Baldursson
Original assignee: Baldursson Helgi E
Priority date: 1995-03-07
Filing date: 1996-03-01
Publication date: 1996-09-12
Also published as: AU5118896A

Abstract

An envelope (12) includes a transparent sleeve (14) for holding an overhead projector transparency (18). The envelope further includes at least one transparent flap (16) which is hingedly connected to the sleeve (14) along a long edge thereof. The flap (16) defines a pocket, and a transparent supplemental information sheet or an opaque blocking sheet (20) is inserted into the pocket (46) of the flap for selectively juxtaposing the sheet with the transparency, thereby altering the display.

Description

TRANSPARENT ENVELOPE WITH FOLDABLE POCKET FLAP FOR INFORMATION DISPLAY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to information display systems, and more particularly to transparent envelopes for displaying information using overhead projectors.

BACKGROUND A well-known method for displaying information to an audience is to place a transparent slide having information printed thereon (referred to in the art as a "transparency") onto the platen of an overhead projector. A light source is positioned under the platen to illuminate the transparency and thereby create an image of the printed information, and mirrors are mounted on the projector above the platen to redirect the image onto a vertical screen for viewing the information. Alternatively, for small audiences, no overhead projector need be used. Instead, the transparency may be viewed directly.

In any case, various devices for holding transparencies for display have been introduced to increase the effectiveness of the information display. For example, PCT patent application WO 94/15254, assigned to Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. of Saint Paul, Minnesota, discloses a transparent envelope into which a transparency can be inserted, and the envelope includes one or more opaque flaps that are hingedly attached to the envelope. A flap can be folded over the envelope to juxtapose the flap with the envelope and thereby block light from portions of the transparency sought not to be displayed. When it is desired to display the blocked-out portions, the flap is folded outwardly away from the envelope. In this way, information on a single transparency can be incrementally displayed as appropriate to increase the effectiveness of the presentation. Furthermore, the transparency can be removed from the envelope and the envelope reused with subsequent transparencies. While useful for its intended purpose, the above-described invention is limited in its application. More particularly, with regard to varying the visual display the opaque flaps can be used only to block and unblock portions of the transparency that is disposed within the envelope. Thus, the only information that can be displayed is information printed on the transparency. Furthermore, because the above-described invention contemplates only a single function, namely, blocking portions of the transparency, no provision is made to remove the opaque flaps from the envelope. As recognized by the present invention, however, it can be desirable not only to simply incrementally display information on the transparency by selectively blocking portions of the transparency, but to permit incrementally overlaying transparent supplemental information sheets onto the displayed transparency. It is further desirable to permit interchangeably overlaying both opaque blocking sheets and transparent supplemental information sheets onto the transparency, without requiring the use of a respective envelope/holder for each sheet.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an envelope for holding a transparency which permits incremental display of information on the transparency. Another object of the present invention is to provide an envelope for holding a transparency which permits information to be overlaid on the displayed transparency. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an envelope for holding a transparency which is easy to use and cost-effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An envelope for holding a primary sheet having information displayed thereon in selective juxtaposition with a secondary sheet includes a transparent rectangular sleeve for removably holding the primary sheet. The sleeve has at least one open edge for receiving the primary sheet therethrough. A transparent rectangular flap is hingedly connected to the sleeve along an edge thereof, and the flap defines a pocket for removably holding the secondary sheet therein. Accordingly, the flap can be moved between a juxtaposed position, wherein the flap is flush against the sleeve to overlay the secondary sheet on the primary sheet, and a distanced position, wherein the flap is not flush against the sleeve such that the secondary sheet is not overlaid on the primary sheet.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the flap includes front and back flap sheets which establish the pocket therebetween and which also define a plurality of edges. In this embodiment, the surface area of the front flap sheet is substantially equal to the surface area of the back flap sheet. Likewise, the sheet includes front and back sleeve sheets for receiving the primary sheet therebetween, and the surface area of the front sleeve sheet is substantially equal to the surface area of the back sleeve sheet. Preferably, the area of each flap sheet is between about fifteen percent and fifty percent (15%-50%), and most preferably 20%-40%, of the area of one of the sleeve sheets.

As disclosed in detail below, the flap and, thus, the pocket, defines opposed short top and bottom edges and opposed long left and right edges. At least one of the long edges of the flap is hingedly connected to the sleeve and at least one of the edges of the pocket is open to receive the secondary sheet therethrough. In one embodiment, the long side edges of the flap are about equal in length to the long side edges of the sleeve. If desired, a transparent tertiary pocket can be formed on the flap to superimpose icons and the like on the images of the primary and secondary sheets.

In an alternate embodiment of the envelope of the present invention, in addition to the transparent flap, at least one single-sheet opaque blocking flap is hingedly connected to the sleeve. In still another embodiment, the flap includes front and back flap sheets defining the pocket therebetween, and the surface area of the front flap sheet is substantially less than the surface area of the back flap sheet. In another aspect of the present invention, an display system includes an overhead transparency and a supplemental sheet. The system of the present invention further includes an envelope for removably holding the overhead transparency and the supplemental sheet. In accordance with the present invention, the envelope has a juxtaposed configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is overlaid on the transparency, and a distanced configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is not overlaid on the transparency. An overhead projector includes a platen for supporting the envelope, and a screen is in light communication with the overhead projector, whereby the overhead projector displays an image of the transparency on the screen.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, an envelope for removably holding a transparency and for removably holding a supplemental sheet has a juxtaposed configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is overlaid on the transparency. Moreover, the envelope has a distanced position, wherein the supplemental sheet is not overlaid on the transparency.

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transparent envelope of the present invention, showing the envelope in an exploded relationship with a storage binder and an overhead projector, with the flap of the envelope shown in the distanced position and with portions of the information sheets broken away for clarity; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the transparent envelope of the present invention, with the flap shown in the juxtaposed position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view as seen along the line (3-3) in Figure 2, with portions broken away;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the envelope of the present invention, showing two foldable blocking flaps and a foldable pocket flap;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of the envelope of the present invention, showing a foldable single sheet flap having a foldable holding strip, with both the flap and folding strip having a length about equal to the length of the envelope; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of still another alternate embodiment of the envelope of the present invention, showing a foldable single sheet flap having a foldable holding strip, with both the flap and the holding strip having a length substantially shorter than the length of the envelope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to Figure 1 , a system, generally designated (10), is shown for displaying information. In one exemplary embodiment, the system ( 1 0) includes an envelope (1 2) having a transparent sleeve (14) and at least one transparent flap (1 6). Preferably, the envelope (1 2) is made of transparent plastic, such as polypropylene. Alternatively, the envelope (1 2) can be made of polyester, polyvinylchloride, or other suitable transparent plastic material.

As intended by the present invention, the sleeve ( 14) removably holds a transparency (1 8) having information printed or otherwise deposited thereon, while the flap (16) removably holds a supplemental sheet (20). The supplemental sheet (20) may be opaque, or the supplemental sheet (20) may be transparent with information printed or otherwise deposited thereon, depending upon the particular application of the system (10). As can be appreciated in reference to Figure 1 , the envelope (12) can be positioned on a platen (22) of an overhead projector (24). The projector (24) can be energized to visually display an image of the transparency (18) and supplemental sheet (20) on a vertically-oriented screen (26). Alternatively, the transparency (18) and supplemental sheet (20) can be viewed directly. If desired, an attachment edge (28) of the envelope (1 2) can have holes (30) formed therein for engaging respective rings (32) of a binder (34) to store and transport the envelope (12).

As intended herein, the sleeve (14) removably holds the transparency (18). Per the present invention, "removably held" means that the transparency (18) can be easily and quickly manually inserted and extracted from the sleeve (14) without cutting or otherwise damaging the sleeve (14) or transparency (18). In other words, the transparency (18) is not laminated, bonded, or otherwise permanently attached to the sleeve (14). On the other hand, electrostatic interaction between the transparency (18) and the sleeve ( 14) may occur, such that the transparency (18) does not easily fall out of the sleeve (14). Nevertheless, the transparency (18) is removably held in the sleeve (14) within the meaning of the present invention, regardless of whether electrostatic interaction occurs between the transparency (18) and the sleeve (14). Likewise, the flap (16) removably holds the supplemental sheet (20).

The details of the envelope (12) may be seen in cross reference to Figures 1 -3. As shown best in Figure 1 , the sleeve (14) includes a rectangular front sleeve sheet (36) and a rectangular back sleeve sheet (38), and the surface area of the front sleeve sheet (36) is substantially equal to the surface area of the back sleeve sheet (38). It may be appreciated in cross-reference to Figures 1 and 3 that the sleeve sheets (36), (38) establish a space (40) therebetween, and the transparency (18) is removably received in the space (40). The sleeve sheets (36), (38) define respective top edges (36a), (38a) that are juxtaposed with each other. Also, the sleeve sheets (36), (38) define respective bottom edges (only the bottom edge (36b) of the front sheet (36) shown in Figure 1 ). As shown, the bottom edges are opposed to the top edges (36a), (38a) and are juxtaposed with each other. Indeed, per the present invention, the bottom edges of the sleeve sheets (36), (38) are connected together to establish a closed bottom edge for the sleeve (14). To connect the bottom edges together, the bottom edges may be formed unitarily together, or heat-staked, bonded, or otherwise attached to each other by means well-known in the art.

In contrast, the top edges (36a), (38a) of the sleeve sheets (36), (38) are not connected, to thereby establish an open edge of the sleeve (14). Consequently, the transparency (18) may be inserted into the sleeve (14) between the top edges (36a), (38a).

Figure 1 further shows that the sleeve sheets (36), (38) define respective right edges (36c), (38c) that are juxtaposed with each other and that are not connected to each other. Consequently, the transparency (18) can be inserted into the sleeve (14) between the right edges (36c), (38c). Moreover, the sleeve sheets (36), (38) define respective left edges that are connected together to establish the attachment edge (28). As shown, the length of the attachment edge (28) is equal to the length of each right edge (36c), (38c) of the sleeve sheets (36), (38). Also, the length of each top edge (36a), (38a) is equal to the length of the bottom edge (36b), and the right edges (36c), (38c) are longer than the bottom edge (36b). Preferably, the dimensions of the sleeve (14) are established to be slightly larger than the transparency (18).

Like the sleeve (14), the flap (16) includes opposed sheets for forming a pocket. More particularly, the flap (16) includes front and back flap sheets

(42), (44) which establish a pocket (46) (Figures 1 and 3) therebetween. As shown in Figure 1 , the supplemental sheet (20) can be inserted into the pocket (46) and held therein. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 -3, the surface area of the front flap sheet (42) is substantially equal to the surface area of the back flap sheet (44). Furthermore, in the presently preferred embodiment the surface area of each flap sheet (42), (44) is between about 15%-50%, and most preferably between about 20%-40%, of the surface area of each sleeve sheet (36), (38).

The flap sheets (42), (44) define respective top edges (42a), (44a) that are juxtaposed with each other and that are separate from each other. Stated differently, the top edge of the pocket (46) is open. Also, the flap sheets (42), (44) define respective bottom edges (only the bottom edge (42b) of the front flap sheet (42) shown in Figure 1 ) which are connected together and which are opposed to the top edges (42a), (44a).

Figure 1 further shows that the flap sheets (42), (44) define respective right edges (42c), (44c) that are juxtaposed with each other and that are not connected to each other. Consequently, the supplemental sheet (20) can be inserted into the pocket (46) between the right edges (42c), (44c). If desired, however, the right edges (42c), (44c) can be connected together.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the right edge (44c) of the back flap sheet (44) is hingedly attached along its length to the right edge (38c) of the back sleeve sheet (38) by means well-known in the art. For example, the right edge (44c) of the back flap sheet (44) can be made integrally with the right edge (38c) of the back sleeve sheet (38), and the flap (16) then creasedly folded relative to the sleeve (14) along the right edges (38c), (44c).

If desired, the resulting creased fold can be perforated along its length to promote hingable movement. Or, the back sheets (38), (44) can be separate pieces of material, with the right edge (44c) of the back flap sheet (44) being heat-sealed, adhesively bonded, or otherwise hingedly attached by means well- known in the art to the right edge (38c) of the back sleeve sheet (38). Moreover, the flap sheets (42), (44) define respective left edges that are connected together to establish a closed left edge (48). As shown, the length of the left edge (48) is equal to the length of each right edge (42c), (44c) of the flap sheets (42), (44). In turn, the length of each right edge (42c), (44c) of the flap sheets (42), (44) is about equal to, i.e., is within zero centimeters to four centimeters (0-4cm) of, the length of the right edge (38c) of the back sleeve sheet (38). In other embodiments, the length of each right edge (42c), (44c) of the flap sheets (42), (44) is markedly shorter than, i.e., is more than four centimeters (4cm) shorter than, the length of the right edge (38c) of the back sleeve sheet (38).

Also, the lengths of the top edges (42a), (44a) of the flap sheets (42), (44) are equal to the length of the bottom edge (42b), and the right edges (42c), (44c) are longer than the bottom edge (42b). Preferably, the dimensions of the flap (16) are established to be slightly larger than the supplemental sheet (20). If desired, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3 a rectangular transparent tertiary sheet (50) can be bonded at three of its edges to the back flap sheet (44) to establish a tertiary pocket (52) on the flap (16).

With the above combination of structure in mind, it may now be appreciated that the flap (16) is hingedly connected to the sleeve (14) for foldable movement between a juxtaposed position shown in Figure 2 and a distanced position shown in Figure 1 . In the juxtaposed position shown in Figure 2, the flap (16) is flush against the sleeve (14) to establish a juxtaposed configuration of the envelope (12), wherein the supplemental sheet (20) is overlaid on the transparency (18). It will be appreciated that when the supplemental sheet (20) is opaque, the portion of the transparency (18) that is blocked by the supplemental sheet (20) is hidden from view. On the other hand, when the supplemental sheet (20) is transparent and has information printed thereon, the information on the supplemental sheet (20) is superimposed on the image of the transparency (18). In contrast, in the distanced position shown in Figure 1 , the flap (16) is not flush against the sleeve (14), and a distanced configuration of the envelope (12) is thereby established. In the distanced configuration, the supplemental sheet (20) is not overlaid on the transparency (18). Accordingly, when the supplemental sheet (20) is transparent and has information printed thereon, the information on the supplemental sheet (20) is not visible on the screen (26) (Figure 1 ). If desired, a transparent plastic symbol and/or icon tab (54) can be disposed in the tertiary pocket (52) for superimposition of the tab (54) on the image of the transparency (18), when the envelope (12) is in the juxtaposed configuration. Additional tertiary pockets can be established in accordance with the principles disclosed above.

Now referring to Figure 4, an envelope, generally designated (60), is shown having a sleeve (62) for holding a transparency and a flap (64) hingedly connected to the sleeve (62) for holding a supplemental sheet between distanced and juxtaposed positions. The envelope (60) shown in Figure 4 is in all essential respects identical in configuration and operation to the envelope (12) shown in Figures 1 -3, except that left and right rectangular single sheet opaque blocking flaps (66), (68) are hingedly connected to respective side edges (70), (72) of the sleeve (62). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the blocking flaps (66), (68) can be individually moved between distanced and juxtaposed positions to selectively block portions of the image of the transparency and supplemental sheet that are held in the envelope (60).

Figure 5 shows still another embodiment of the envelope of the present invention, generally designated (80). As shown, the envelope (80) includes a sleeve (82) that is established by front and back sleeve sheets (84), (86). As further shown, the surface area of the front sleeve sheet (84) is significantly less than the surface area of the back sleeve sheet (86). More particularly, the length "L" of the front seleeve sheet (84) is about equal to the length of the back sleeve sheet (86), but the width "W" of the front sleeve sheet (84) is markedly shorter than the width of the back sleeve sheet (86). A sleeve pocket (88) is defined between the sleeve sheets (84), (86), and the long edge of a transparency (not shown) is removably positionable in the sleeve pocket (88). In accordance with the present invention, the transparency is frictionally held within the sleeve pocket (88), i.e., by electrostatic cooperation between the transparency and sleeve (82). In this embodiment, the sleeve sheets (84), (86) advantageously can be made of polyvinylchloride.

Additionally, the envelope (80) includes a flap (90) that is established by front and back flap sheets (92), (94). As was the case with the sheets (84), (86) of the sleeve (82), the front flap sheet (92) is as long as the back flap sheet (94), but is much less wide than the back flap sheet (94). Accordingly, the surface area of the front flap sheet (92) is substantially less than the surface area of the back flap sheet (94). A flap pocket (96) is established between the flap sheets (92), (94), and the long edge of a supplemental sheet is held within the flap pocket (96) by electrostatic cooperation between the flap (90) and supplemental sheet.

Figure 6 shows still another embodiment of the envelope of the present invention, generally designated (100), having a sleeve (102) and a flap (104). It will readily be appreciated that the envelope (100) shown in Figure 6 is in all essential respects identical to the envelope (80) shown in Figure 5, except that the long edge of the flap (104) of the envelope (100) shown in Figure 6 is substantially shorter than the long edge of the sleeve (102).

While the particular TRANSPARENT ENVELOPE WITH FOLDABLE POCKET FLAP FOR INFORMATION DISPLAY as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred

1 1 SUBSTΠUTE SHEET (RULE 26) embodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . An envelope (12) for holding a primary sheet (18) having information displayed thereon in selective juxtaposition with a secondary sheet, (20) comprising: a transparent rectangular sleeve (14) for removably holding the primary sheet and having at least one open edge for receiving the primary sheet therethrough; and a transparent rectangular flap (16) defining a pocket for removably holding the secondary sheet therein, the flap being hingedly connected to the sleeve (14) along an edge (38c) thereof for movement between a juxtaposed position, wherein the flap is flush against the sleeve to overlay the secondary sheet on the primary sheet, and a distanced position, wherein the flap is not flush against the sleeve such that the secondary sheet is not overlaid on the primary sheet.

2. The envelope of Claim 1 , wherein the flap (16) includes front and back flap sheets (42), (44) defining the pocket therebetween and a plurality of edges, (42a), (44a), (42b), (42c) and the surface area of the front flap sheet (36) is substantially equal to the surface area of the back flap sheet (38).

3. The envelope of Claim 2, wherein the sleeve includes front and back sleeve sheets (36), (38) for receiving the primary sheet (18) therebetween, and the surface area of the front sleeve sheet is substantially equal to the surface area of the back sleeve sheet.

4. The envelope of Claim 3, wherein the pocket (46) defines opposed top and bottom edges (42a), (44a), (42b) and opposed left and right edges, at least one of the edges of the flap (16) being hingedly connected to the sleeve (14) and at least one of the edges of the pocket being open to receive the secondary sheet (20) therethrough.

5. The envelope of Claim 4, wherein the sleeve (14) defines opposed top (36a), (38a) and bottom edges (36b) and opposed left and right side edges, the side edges being longer than the top and bottom edges, the flap (16) being hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the sleeve, the left and right edges of the pocket of the flap being about equal in length to the side edges of the sleeve.

6. The envelope of Claim 5, wherein the area of each flap sheet (42), (44) is between about fifteen percent and fifty percent (1 5%-50%) the area of one of the sleeve sheets (36), 38).

7. The envelope of Claim 6, further comprising a tertiary pocket (52) formed on the flap (16).

8. The envelope of Claim 7, further comprising at least one single-sheet opaque blocking flap (66), (68) hingedly connected to the sleeve (62).

9. The envelope of Claim 4, wherein the sleeve defines opposed top and bottom edges and opposed left and right side edges, the side edges being longer than the top and bottom edges, the flap (104) being hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the sleeve, the left and right edges of the pocket of the flap being substantially shorter than the side edges of the sleeve (102).

10. The envelope of Claim 1 , wherein the flap includes front and back flap sheets defining the pocket therebetween, and the surface area of the front flap sheet is substantially less than the surface area of the back flap sheet.

1 1 . An information display system, comprising: an overhead transparency and a supplemental sheet; an envelope for removably holding the overhead transparency and the supplemental sheet, the envelope having a juxtaposed configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is overlaid on the transparency, and a distanced configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is not overlaid on the transparency; an overhead projector including a platen for supporting the envelope; and a screen in light communication with the overhead projector, whereby the overhead projector displays an image of the transparency on the screen.

12. The system of Claim 1 1 , wherein the envelope comprises: a transparent rectangular sleeve for removably holding the transparency and having at least one open edge for receiving the transparency therethrough; and a transparent rectangular flap defining a pocket for removably holding the supplemental sheet therein, the flap being hingedly connected to the sleeve along an edge thereof for movement between a juxtaposed position, wherein the flap is flush against the sleeve to establish the juxtaposed configuration of the envelope, and a distanced position, wherein the flap is not flush against the sleeve to establish the distanced configuration of the envelope.

13. The system of Claim 12, wherein the flap includes front and back flap sheets (42), (44) defining the pocket (46) therebetween, the surface area of the front flap sheet being substantially equal to the surface area of the back flap sheet, the pocket of the flap defining opposed top and bottom edges at least one of which is open, one of edges of the flap being hingedly connected to the sleeve (14).

14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the sleeve defines opposed top and bottom edges and opposed left and right side edges, the side edges being longer than the top and bottom edges, the flap being hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the sleeve (86), the left and right edges of the pocket of the flap (46) being about equal in length to the side edges of the sleeve (14), the area of each flap sheet being between about fifteen percent and fifty percent (15%-50%) the area of one of the sleeve sheets.

15. The system of Claim 14, further comprising at least one single-sheet opaque blocking flap hingedly connected to the sleeve.

16. The envelope of Claim 13, wherein the sleeve ( 102) defines opposed top and bottom edges and opposed left and right side edges, the side edges being longer than the top and bottom edges, the flap (104) being hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the sleeve (102), the left and right edges of the pocket of the flap (104) being substantially shorter than the side edges of the sleeve (86).

17. The system of Claim 12, wherein the flap (90) includes front and back flap sheets (92), (94) defining the pocket (96) therebetween, and the surface area of the front flap sheet is substantially less than the surface area of the back flap sheet (94).

18. An envelope for removably holding a transparency and for removably holding a supplemental sheet, the envelope having a juxtaposed configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is overlaid on the transparency, and a distanced configuration, wherein the supplemental sheet is not overlaid on the transparency.

19. The envelope of Claim 18, further comprising: a transparent rectangular sleeve for removably holding the transparency (18) and having at least one open edge for receiving the transparency therethrough; and a transparent rectangular flap defining a pocket for removably holding the supplemental sheet therein, the flap being hingedly connected to the sleeve along an edge thereof for movement between a juxtaposed position, wherein the flap is flush against the sleeve to establish the juxtaposed configuration of the envelope, and a distanced position, wherein the flap is not flush against the sleeve to establish the distanced configuration of the envelope.

20. The envelope of Claim 19, wherein the flap includes front and back flap sheets defining the pocket therebetween, the surface area of the front flap sheet being substantially equal to the surface area of the back flap sheet, the pocket of the flap defining opposed top and bottom edges and opposed left and right edges, the flap being hingedly connected to the sleeve and at least one of the edges of the pocket being open to receive the supplemental sheet therethrough.