Non-integral closing member

Abstract

A closing member apparatus 1 used to seal, unseal and reseal a container. The member has a main body 30, a first attachment portion (Figure 7b – 3), a second attachment portion 9 and a third attachmen

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a closing member apparatus, system and method associated therewith. More especially, the invention relates to a non-integral closing member configured to allow sealing, unsealing and resealing and therefore reuse of packaging. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Consumer preferences for easy to open packaging have become increasingly important in the market. Simultaneously, retailers are striving to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging they use.

[0003] By prioritising easy-to-open packaging, businesses can enhance the overall customer experience and gain a competitive advantage by meeting the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

[0004] Customers value packaging that is simple to open. More especially, customers value packaging wherein access does not necessitate the use of scissors, knives or excessive force. Specifically, customers value packaging that is simple to open as it conserves time and effort. Packaging that demands excessive force or tools can cause consumer frustration and increased risk of injury.

[0005] User-friendly packaging particularly meets the needs of the elderly. Most especially, as easy-to-open and resealable packaging is more accessible for the elderly and those with physical limitations or disabilities, who may have diminished strength or dexterity.

[0006] For the above reasons many types of e-commerce packaging are now incorporating built-in openers such as perforations, made of small, evenly spaced holes or slits in the packaging material that allow consumers to easily tear along a specific line. Another type of integrated opener are tear strips, which features pre-cut strips of material that can be pulled to open the package quickly without needing additional tools.

[0007] However, a problem with known easy-to-use packaging is that it is disposable. Therefore, current easy-to-use packaging contributes a negative environmental impact and increased cost to retailers.

[0008] Specifically, Integrated opening mechanisms, such as tear strips, are inherently single-use, and after their initial opening, the container cannot offer the same functionality and ease of use as when it was new.

[0009] A further drawback of packaging with easy-to-open features is that they often require a structural design with an irregular shape in its flat pattern. This may lead to the use of more material in manufacturing compared to regular slotted containers. Therefore, fabrication of such packaging results in increased waste from cut-offs, with respect to standard packaging. Therefore, further adversely affecting both manufacturing costs and the environmental footprint.

[0010] Conversely, many e-commerce packaging options on the market are not designed to include easy-to-open features due to their structural designs. For instance, regular slotted containers like the FEFCO 201 boxes have the outer flaps meeting at the centre and typically are sealed with adhesive tape when closed, making it unfeasible to integrate easy-to-open elements.

[0011] Consequently, there is a market demand for innovative packaging solutions that meet the criteria for reusability and that extends easy-to-open features into packaging options that have been previously excluded from its benefits due to their structural designs.

[0012] WO 2018 / 198023 A1 discloses a closing member as a distinct component of packaging that is separate from the primary packaging. The separate closing member is provided with one or more attachment portions being configured to be adhesively connected to an outside surface of the package. It is also equipped with a tear portion designed to facilitate the opening of the package's receiver, which, when torn, splits the closing member into two parts. It addresses the need of flexibility in e-commerce, while providing a high degree of convenience for the user and potentially enabling the reuse of the primary packaging. However, this closing mechanism isonly compatible with primary packagingthat has been specifically designed with a slot to accommodate the separate closing component, which significantly limits its versatility.

[0013] Furthermore, the separate closing member necessitates a complex insertion through a slot in the lid while the box remains open. The lid must then be shifted to seal the package. However, since one end of the closing member is not adhesively attached to the lid, there's a risk of it shifting and sliding into the box. As a result, the closing member must be securely held, which may not be easy or quick.

[0014] It is an objective of the invention to offer an enhanced packaging solution that meets the aforementioned criteria and surpasses the limitations of current packaging options. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a closing member apparatus. The closing member apparatus, configured for sealing, unsealing and resealing of a container. The closing member comprising a main body, a first, second and third attachment portion and a frangible seam; wherein, the frangible seam segments the main body into a first and second portion; the first attachment portion is located distal, with respect to the frangible seam, on the first portion; the second attachment portion is located on the second portion and the third attachment portion is located proximal, with respect to the frangible seam, on the first portion.

[0016] Preferably, the first, second and third attachment portions are located on a first side of the main body.

[0017] Alternatively, the first attachment portion is located on a first side of the main body and the second and third attachment portions are located on a second side of the main body.

[0018] Preferably, the first, second and third attachment portions are formed of adhesive strips.

[0019] Alternatively, the first and second sides are formed of two distinct materials.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system configured for sealing, unsealing and resealing a container. The system and apparatus configured to be applied to a container; the container comprising a first surface located on a closure member and a second surface located on an adjacent surface sharing an interface with the closure member; whereby, to seal the container, the first attachment portion is configured to fasten to the first surface and the second attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface; to unseal the container, the frangible seam is configured to break and completely separate the first portion and second portion; to reseal the container, the third attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface.

[0021] Preferably the system is configured for sealing, unsealing an resealing a container; wherein, the container comprises a first surface located on an external surface of a closure member and a second surface located on an adjacent external surface sharing an interface with the closure member; whereby, to seal the container, the first attachment portion is configured to fasten to the first surface and the second attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface; to unseal the container, the frangible seam is configured to break and completely separate the first portion and second portion; to reseal the container, the third attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface.

[0022] Alternatively, the system is configured for sealing, unsealing an resealing a container; wherein, the container comprises a first surface located on an internal surface of a closure member and a second surface located on an adjacent external surface sharing an interface with the closure member; whereby, to seal the container, the first attachment portion is configured to fasten to the first surface and the second attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface; to unseal the container, the frangible seam is configured to break and completely separate the first portion and second portion; to reseal the container, the third attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a non-integral sealing member in accordance with the invention; the non-integral sealing member being fastened to an envelope on one surface and the envelope being in a non-sealed configuration.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the same non-integral sealing member and envelope in Figure 1; wherein, the envelope is in a sealed configuration.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the same non-integral sealing member and envelope in Figure 1; wherein, the non-integral sealing member is acting as a surface for hosting a shipping label.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the same non-integral sealing member in Figure 1; the non-integral sealing member being fastened to a postage box on one surface and the postage box being in a non-sealed configuration.

[0029] Figure 5 shows the same non-integral sealing member in Figure 1; wherein, the postage box is in a sealed configuration.

[0030] Figure 6 shows the same non-integral sealing member in Figure 1; wherein, the non-integral sealing member is acting as a surface for hosting a shipping label.

[0031] Figure 7A shows a first perspective view of the same non-integral sealing member shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 7B shows a second perspective view of the same non-integral sealing member shown in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 7C shows a third perspective view of the same non-integral sealing member shown in Figure 1; wherein, a second portion of the non-integral sealing member has been removed.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a non-integral sealing member in accordance with the invention; the non-integral sealing member being fastened to an envelope on two surfaces and the envelope being in a sealed configuration.

[0035] Figure 9 shows the same non-integral sealing member in Figure 8; wherein, the non-integral sealing member is acting as a surface for hosting a shipping label.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Figure 1 to 7 illustrate a first non-limiting embodiment of a non-integral sealing member 1 in accordance with the invention.

[0038] By way of example, in Figures 1 to 3, the non-integral sealing member 1 is configured to seal, unseal and reseal an envelope 2.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates the non-integral sealing member 1 fastened to a first surface 7 of the envelope 2, wherein the envelope 2 is in a non-sealed configuration and the first surface 7 is an internal surface of a closure member of the envelope 2.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates the non-integral sealing member 1 fastened to a first surface 7 and a second surface 13; wherein, the envelope 2 is in a sealed configuration and the second surface 13 is an external adjacent surface, which shares an interface with the closure member of the envelope 2.

[0041] By way of example, in figures 4 to 6, the non-integral sealing member 1 is configured to seal, unseal and reseal a box 4.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates the non-integral sealing member 1 fastened to a first surface 7 of the box 4, wherein the box4is in a non-sealed configuration and the first surface 7 is an internal surface of a closure member of the box 4.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates the nonintegral sealing member 1 fastened to a first surface 7 and a second surface 13, wherein the box 4 is in a sealed configuration and the second surface 13 is an external adjacent surface, which shares an interface with the closure member of the box 4.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 6 illustrate an envelope 2 and box 4 in a sealed configuration. More especially, Figure 3 and Figure 6 illustrate the envelope 2 and box 4 in a sealed configuration; wherein the non-integral sealing member 1 has sealed the respective postal packages and a postage label 25 is fastened thereto. More especially still, Figure 3 and Figure 6 illustrate the use of a machine-readable format 23, which can be used to evidence tampering of the seal.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 3 and Figure 6 illustrate a configuration wherein, upon removal of the non-integral sealing member 1, the postage label 25 is removed from the postal package.

[0046] Figure 7Aand Figure 7B illustrate the non-integral sealing member in accordance with the invention. Concordantly, the non-integral sealing member 1 comprises a rectilinear main body 30, a first attachment portion 3, a second attachment portion 9 and a third attachment portion 21. The main body 30 comprises a first side 5 and second side 11. The main body 30 is segmented into a first portion 17 and a second portion 19 by a frangible seam 15.

[0047] The first side 5 of the first portion 17 comprises a first attachment portion 3 located substantially distally from the frangible seam 15. The second side 11 of the first portion 17 comprises a third attachment portion 21 located substantially parallel and adjacent to the frangible seam 15.

[0048] The second side 11 of the second portion 19 comprises a second attachment portion 9 located substantially parallel and adjacent to the frangible seam 15.

[0049] The first attachment portion 3 is configured to traverse an area of the first side 5 of the first portion 17, distal to the frangible seam 15; whereby, the surface area ratio of the first attachment portion 3, with respect to the first side 5 of the first portion 17, is sufficient to fasten the first side 5 of the non-integral sealing member 1 to a first surface 7 of, by way of example, the envelope 2 or box 4. More especially, the surface area ratio of the first attachment portion 3, with respect to the first side 5 of the first portion 17, is configured to sufficiently fasten the non-integral sealing member 1 to the first surface 7, of the envelope 2 or box 4, during postal transit and handling.

[0050] Furthermore still, the first attachment portion 3 is of a dimension and location, with respect to the first side 5 of the first portion 17, such that the first side 5 forms a perimeter about the first attachment portion 3. More especially, the perimeter about the first attachment portion 3 is configured to be a depth sufficient to allow a user to purchase and peel the main body 30 of the non-integral sealing member 1, from the first surface 7 of the envelope 2 or box 4.

[0051] The second attachment portion 9 is configured to traverse an area of the second side 11 of the second portion 19, adjacent and parallel to the frangible seam 15; whereby, the surface area ratio of the second attachment portion 9, with respect to the second side 11 of the second portion 19, is sufficient to fasten the second side 11 of the non-integral sealing member 1 to the second surface 13 of the envelope 2 or box 4. More especially, the surface area ratio of the second attachment portion 9 with respect to the second side 11 of the second portion 19, is configured to sufficiently fasten the non-integral sealing member 1 to the second surface 13, of the envelope 2 or box 4, during postal transit and handling.

[0052] Furthermore still, the second attachment portion 9 is of a dimension and location, with respect to the second side 11 of the second portion 19, such that the second side 11 forms a perimeter about the second attachment portion 9. More especially, the perimeter about the second attachment portion 9 is configured to be a depth sufficient to allow a user to purchase and peel the main body 30 of the non-integral sealing member 1, from the second surface 13 of the envelope 2 or box 4.

[0053] The third attachment portion 21, is configured to traverse an area of the second side 11 of the first portion 17, adjacent and parallel to the frangible seam 15; whereby, the surface area ratio of the third attachment portion 21, with respect to the second side 11 of the first attachment portion 17, is sufficient to fasten the second side 11 of the non-integral sealing member 1 to a second surface 13 of the envelope 2 or box 4. More especially, the surface area ratio of the third attachment portion 21, with respect to the second side 11 of the first portion 17, is configured to sufficiently fasten the non-integral sealing member 1 to a second surface 13, of the envelope 2 or box 4, during postal transit and handling.

[0054] Furthermore still, the third attachment portion 21 is of a dimension and location, with respect to the second side 11 of the first portion 17, such that the second side 11 forms a perimeter about the third attachment portion 21. More especially, the perimeter about the third attachment portion 21 is configured to be a depth sufficient to allow a user to purchase and peel the main body 30 of the non-integral sealing member 1, from the second surface 13 of the envelope 2 or box 4.

[0055] The main body 30, being comprised of the first side 5 and second side 11, respectively, may be formed of a single integral piece of material. Alternatively, the first side 5 and second side 11 may comprise of differing materials fastened / applied / integrally formed to one another.

[0056] By way of example, but not limited to, the first side 5 and second side 11 of the main body 30 maybe formed of a single integral polymeric film (polyethylene ‘PE’, polypropylene ‘PP’, polyethene terephthalate ‘PET’, polylactic acid ‘PLA’), paper-based material (corrugated paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, kraft paper, thermal paper, recycled paper), laminate or composite materials (biaxially-oriented polypropylene, metalized film, laminated paper), fabric materials (cotton canvas, nonwoven polypropylene fabric) or metallic or foil-backed materials (aluminium foil-backed paper).

[0057] Alternatively, by way of example, but not limited to, the first side 5 of the main body 30 may comprise a material configured to receive postage labels, decoration, prints and luxury material. The first side 5 of the main body 30 may therefore be formed of luxury paper-based materials (waxed paper, tissue paper, handmade paper, cotton rag paper, thermal or printable paper), polymeric materials (PE, PP, PET, PLA), fabric and textile-based materials (cotton canvas, jute or hessian fabric, non-woven polypropylene, silk or velvet) or metallic or foil-backed substrate (aluminium foil-backed paper, cold foil laminate). The first side 5 of the main body 30 would therefore be appropriately fixed / applied / integrally formed to the second side 11 of the main body 30.

[0058] Concordantly and with respect to the same example, the second side 11 of the main body 30 may comprise of material configured to strengthen the first side 5 and support adhesion or fastening of the main body 30 to other postage surfaces. The second side 11 of the main body 30 may therefore be formed of materials such as reinforced tape or film (glass fibre-reinforced tape, filament tape, PP or PE packing tape), coatings or laminates (acrylic or polyurethane coating, PE or PP laminate film, waxed or resin-impregnated kraft paper, thermoplastic polyurethane ‘TPU’ coating, fabric-reinforce laminate sheets), and textile or mesh reinforcement (non-woven PE mesh, woven scrim fabric, fibreglass mesh, jute or canvas fabric). The second side 11 of the main body 30 would therefore be appropriately fixed / applied / integrally formed to the first side 5 of the main body 30.

[0059] The frangible seam 15 is configured such that a user may separate the first portion 17 from the second portion 19. By way of example, but not limited to, the frangible seam 15 may be in the form of a perforation, a score line, a crease, a partial depth cut, a laser score, a chemically weakened seam, a thermally weakened seam or an embossed weakened seam.

[0060] The frangible seam 15 is configured to traverse the full width of the main body 30. More especially, the frangible seam 15 is configured to traverse the full width of the main body 30, such that the second attachment portion 9 is isolated, on the second portion 19, from the first attachment portion 3 and third attachment portion 21, located on the first portion 17. More especially still, the frangible seam 15 is configured, such that when broken, the first portion 17 and the second portion 19 are completely separated. Furthermore, the frangible seam 15 is configured, such that the force to break the seam does not require tools or the excessive force of an individual.

[0061] By way of example, but not limited to, the first attachment portion 3, the second attachment portion 9 and the third attachment portion 21 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, silicon adhesive), water activated adhesive (dextrin based glue, starch based glue) or mechanical attachment means (hook and loop fasteners).

[0062] Preferably, the first attachment portion 3, the second attachment portion 9 and the third attachment portion 21 are an adhesive. More especially, the first attachment portion 3, the second attachment portion 9 and the third attachment portion 21 are an adhesive covered with a protective release paper [not shown],

[0063] In use, the non-integral sealing member 1 is configured to allow re-use of postal packaging.

[0064] By way of example only, the preferred method and system of use comprises steps of:

[0065] A first individual, removing a first protective release paper [not shown] from a first attachment portion 3, located on a first side 5 of a first portion 17, of a non-integral sealing member 1.

[0066] The first individual, annealing the first attachment portion 3 to a first surface 7 of a postal packaging; wherein the first surface 7 of the postal packaging is the internal surface of a closure member.

[0067] The first individual, removing a second protective release paper [not shown] from a second attachment portion 9, located on a second side 11 of a second portion 19, of the non-integral sealing member 1.

[0068] The first individual, annealing the second attachment portion 9 to a second surface 13 of the postal packaging; wherein, the second surface 13 of the postal packaging, is an external adjacent surface, which shares an interface with the closure member; whereby, the postal packaging is sealed therefrom.

[0069] The first individual, positioning and annealing a postage label 25 to a first side 5 of the non-integral sealing member 1; wherein, the postage label 25 comprises a machine-readable format 23.

[0070] The first individual, delivering the sealed postage package to a second individual.

[0071] The second individual, confirming the integrity of the delivered postage package, via the machine-readable format 23.

[0072] The second individual, separating the first portion 17 and the second portion 19 of the non-integral sealing member 1, by breaking a frangible seam 15; whereby, the postal package becomes un-sealed and the postage label 25 is removed.

[0073] The second individual, removing a third protective release paper [not shown] from a third attachment portion 21, located on the second side 11 of the first portion 17.

[0074] The second individual, annealing the third attachment portion 21 to the second surface 13; whereby, the postal package becomes resealed.

[0075] The second individual, positioning and annealing a postage label 25 to a first side 5 of the nonintegral sealing member 1; wherein, the postage label 25 comprises a machine-readable format 23.

[0076] The second individual, delivering the resealed postage package to the first individual.

[0077] The first individual, confirming the integrity of the delivered postage package, via the machine-readable format 23.

[0078] The first individual, peeling the annealed third attachment portion 21 from the second surface 13 of the postal packaging; whereby, the postage packaging becomes un-sealed.

[0079] The first individual, peeling the annealed first attachment portion 3 from the first surface 7 of the postage packaging; whereby, the postage label 25 is removed.

[0080] The first individual, recycling the postage packaging; wherein, postage packaging retaining suitable integrity are returned to the postage supply chain for re-use.

[0081] Figure 7C illustrates the resultant first side 5 of the first attachment portion 17, of the non-integral sealing member 1, when separated from the second attachment portion 19, with respect to a broken frangible seal 15.

[0082] Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate a second non-limiting embodiment of a non-integral sealing member 6 in accordance with the invention, configured to seal and reseal an envelope 2.

[0083] Figure 8 illustrates the non-integral sealing member 6 fastened to a first surface 27 and a second surface 13; wherein, the envelope 2 is in a sealed configuration. The first surface 27 is an external surface of a closure member of the envelope 2 and the second surface 13 is an external adjacent surface, which shares an interface with the closure member of the envelope 2.

[0084] Figure 9 illustrates an envelope 2 in a sealed configuration. More especially, Figure 9 illustrates the envelope 2 in a sealed configuration; wherein the non-integral sealing member 6 has sealed the respective envelope 2 and a postage label 25 is fastened thereto. More especially still, Figure 9 illustrates the use of a machine-readable format 23, which can be used to evidence tampering of the seal.

[0085] Furthermore, Figure 9 illustrates a configuration wherein, upon removal of the non-integral sealing member 6, the postage label 25 is removed from the postal package.

[0086] Concordantly, the non-integral sealing member 6 comprises a rectilinear main body 30, a first attachment portion 3, a second attachment portion 9 and a third attachment portion 21. The main body 30 comprises a first side [not shown] and second side 29. The main body 30 is segmented into a first portion 17 and a second portion 19 by a frangible seam 15.

[0087] The first side [not shown] of the first portion 17 comprises the first attachment portion 3 and third attachment portion 21. The first attachment portion 3 is located substantially distally from the frangible seam 15. The third attachment portion 21 is located substantially parallel and adjacent to the frangible seam 15.

[0088] The first side [not shown] of the second portion 19 comprises a second attachment portion 9 located substantially parallel and adjacent to the frangible seam 15.

[0089] The first attachment portion 3 is configured to traverse an area of the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, distalto the frangible seam 15; whereby, the surface area ratio of the first attachment portion 3, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, is sufficient to fasten the first side [not shown] of the non-integral sealing member 1 to a first surface 27 of the envelope 2. More especially, the surface area ratio of the first attachment portion 3, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, is configured to sufficiently fasten the non-integral sealing member 6 to the first surface 27, of the envelope 2, during postal transit and handling.

[0090] Furthermore still, the first attachment portion 3 is of a dimension and location, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, such that the first side [not shown] forms a perimeter about the first attachment portion 3. More especially, the perimeter about the first attachment portion 3 is configured to be a depth sufficient to allow a user to purchase and peel the main body 30 of the nonintegral sealing member 6, from the first surface 27 of the envelope 2.

[0091] The second attachment portion 9 is configured to traverse an area of the first side [not shown] of the second portion 19, adjacent and parallel to the frangible seam 15; whereby, the surface area ratio of the second attachment portion 9, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the second portion 19, is sufficient to fasten the first side [not shown] of the non-integral sealing member 6 to the second surface 13 of the envelope 2. More especially, the surface area ratio of the second attachment portion 9 with respect to the first side [not shown] of the second portion 19, is configured to sufficiently fasten the nonintegralsealingmember 1 to the second surface 13, of the envelope 2, during postal transit and handling.

[0092] Furthermore still, the second attachment portion 9 is of a dimension and location, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the second portion 19, such that the first side [not shown] forms a perimeter about the second attachment portion 9. More especially, the perimeter about the second attachment portion 9 is configured to be a depth sufficient to allow a user to purchase and peel the main body 30 of the non-integral sealing member 1, from the second surface 13 of the envelope 2.

[0093] The third attachment portion 21, is configured to traverse an area of the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, adjacent and parallel to the frangible seam 15; whereby, the surface area ratio of the third attachment portion 21, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the first attachment portion 17, is sufficient to fasten the first side [not shown] of the non-integral sealing member 6 to a second surface 13 of the envelope 2. More especially, the surface area ratio of the third attachment portion 21, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, is configured to sufficiently fasten the non-integral sealing member 6 to a second surface 13, of the envelope 2, during postal transit and handling.

[0094] Furthermore still, the third attachment portion 21 is of a dimension and location, with respect to the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17, such that the first side [not shown] forms a perimeter about the third attachment portion 21. More especially, the perimeter about the third attachment portion 21 is configured to be a depth sufficient to allow a user to purchase and peel the main body 30 of the non-integral sealing member 6, from the second surface 13 of the envelope 2.

[0095] The main body 30, being comprised of the first side [not shown] and second side 29, respectively, may be formed of a single integral piece of material. Alternatively, the first side [not shown] and second side 29 may comprise of differing materials fastened / applied / integrally formed to one another.

[0096] By way of example, but not limited to, the first side [not shown] and second side 29 of the main body 30 may be formed of a single integral polymeric film (PE, PP, PET, PLA), paper-based material (corrugated paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, kraft paper, thermal paper, recycled paper), laminate or composite materials (biaxially-oriented polypropylene, metalized film, laminated paper), fabric materials (cotton canvas, nonwoven polypropylene fabric) or metallic or foil-backed materials (aluminium foil-backed paper).

[0097] Alternatively, byway of example, but not limited to, the first side [not shown] of the main body 30 may comprise of material configured to strengthen the second side 29 and support adhesion or fastening of the main body 30 to other postage surfaces. The first side [not shown] of the main body 30 may therefore be formed of materials such as reinforced tape or film (glass fibre-reinforced tape, filament tape, PP or PE packing tape), coatings or laminates (acrylic or polyurethane coating, PE or PP laminate film, waxed or resin-impregnated kraft paper, thermoplastic TPU coating, fabric-reinforce laminate sheets), and textile or mesh reinforcement (non-woven PE mesh, woven scrim fabric, fibreglass mesh, jute or canvas fabric). The first side [not shown] of the main body 30 would therefore be appropriately fixed / applied / integrally formed to the second side 29 of the main body 30.

[0098] Concordantly and with respect to the same example, the second side 29 of the main body 30 may comprise of a material configured to receive postage labels, decoration, prints and luxury material. The second side 29 of the main body 30 may therefore be formed of luxury paper-based materials (waxed paper, tissue paper, handmade paper, cotton rag paper, thermal or printable paper), polymeric materials (PE, PP, PET, PLA), fabric and textile-based materials (cotton canvas, jute or hessian fabric, non-woven polypropylene, silk or velvet) or metallic or foil-backed substrate (aluminium foil-backed paper, cold foil laminate). The second side 29 of the main body 30 would therefore be appropriately fixed / applied / integrally formed to the first side [not shown] of the main body 30.

[0099] The frangible seam 15 is configured such that a user may separate the first portion 17 from the second portion 19. By way of example, but not limited to, the frangible seam 15 may be in the form of a perforation, a score line, a crease, a partial depth cut, a laser score, a chemically weakened seam, a thermally weakened seam or an embossed weakened seam.

[0100] The frangible seam 15 is configured to traverse the full width of the main body 30. More especially, the frangible seam 15 is configured to traverse the full width of the main body 30, such that the second attachment portion 9 is isolated, on the second portion 19, from the first attachment portion 3 and third attachment portion 21, located on the first portion 17. More especially still, the frangible seam 15 is configured, such that when broken, the first portion 17 and the second portion 19 are completely separated. Furthermore, the frangible seam 15 is configured, such that the force to break the seam does not require tools or the excessive force of an individual.

[0101] By way of example, but not limited to, the first attachment portion 3, the second attachment portion 9 and the third attachment portion 21 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, silicon adhesive), water activated adhesive (dextrin based glue, starch based glue) or mechanical attachment means (hook and loop fasteners).

[0102] Preferably, the first attachment portion 3, the second attachment portion 9 and the third attachment portion 21 are an adhesive. More especially, the first attachment portion 3, the second attachment portion 9 and the third attachment portion 21 are an adhesive covered with a protective release paper [not shown],

[0103] In use, the non-integral sealing member 6 is configured to allow re-use of postal packaging.

[0104] By way of example only, the preferred method and system of use comprises steps of:

[0105] A first individual, removing a first protective release paper [not shown] from a first attachment portion 3, located on a first side [not shown] of a first portion 17, of a non-integral sealing member 6.

[0106] The first individual, annealing the first attachment portion 3 to a first surface 27 of a postal packaging; wherein the first surface 7 of the postal packaging is the external surface of a closure member.

[0107] The first individual, removing a second protective release paper [not shown] from a second attachment portion 9, located on a first side [not shown] of a second portion 19, of the non-integral sealing member 6.

[0108] The first individual, annealing the second attachment portion 9 to a second surface 13 of the postal packaging; wherein, the second surface 13 of the postal packaging, is an external adjacent surface, which shares an interface with the closure member; whereby, the postal packaging is sealed therefrom.

[0109] The first individual, positioning and annealing a postage label 25 to a second side 29 of the nonintegral sealing member 6; wherein, the postage label 25 comprises a machine-readable format 23.

[0110] The first individual, delivering the sealed postage package to a second individual.

[0111] The second individual, confirming the integrity of the delivered postage package, via the machine-readable format 23.

[0112] The second individual, separating the first portion 17 and the second portion 19 of the non-integral sealing member 6, by breaking a frangible seam 15; whereby, the postal package becomes un-sealed and the postage label 25 is removed.

[0113] The second individual, removing a third protective release paper [not shown] from a third attachment portion 21, located on the first side [not shown] of the first portion 17.

[0114] The second individual, annealing the third attachment portion 21 to the second surface 13; whereby, the postal package becomes resealed.

[0115] The second individual, positioning and annealing a postage label 25 to a second side 29 of the non-integral sealing member 6; wherein, the postage label 25 comprises a machine-readable format 23.

[0116] The second individual, delivering the resealed postage package to the first individual.

[0117] The first individual, confirming the integrity of the delivered postage package, via the machine- readable format 23.

[0118] The first individual, peeling the annealed third attachment portion 21 from the second surface 13 of the postal packaging; whereby, the postage packaging becomes un-sealed.

[0119] The first individual, peeling the annealed first attachment portion 3 from the first surface 27 of the postage packaging; whereby, the postage label 25 is removed. 5

[0120] The first individual, recycling the postage packaging; wherein, postage packaging retaining suitable integrity are returned to the postage supply chain for re-use.

[0121] It will be appreciated that the provided embodiments are mere examples and only serve to teach non-limiting embodiments of the invention. By way of example, a skilled person would appreciate that a non-integral sealing member, in accordance with the invention, is not limited to a reticular main body 30; 10 but rather, the main body 30 may be provided in a variety of geometric or irregular shapes.

[0122] Furthermore still, a skilled person would appreciate that a non-integral sealing member, in accordance with the invention, is not limited to use with an envelope 2 or box 4; but rather, a non-integral sealing member, in accordance with the invention, is suitable for use on any container comprising a closure member and an adjacent surface sharing an interface therefrom. 15

Claims

1. A closing member apparatus, configured for sealing, unsealing and resealing of a container; the closing member comprising a main body, a first, second and third attachment portion and a frangible seam; wherein, the frangible seam segments the main body into a first and second portion; the first attachment portion is located distal, with respect to the frangible seam, on the first portion; the second attachment portion is located on the second portion and the third attachment portion is located proximal, with respect to the frangible seam, on the first portion.

2. A closing member apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first, second and third attachment portions are located on a first side of the main body.

3. A closing member apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first attachment portion is located on a first side of the main body and the second and third attachment portions are located on a second side of the main body.

4. A closing member apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the first, second and third attachment portions are formed of adhesive strips.

5. A closing member apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the first and second sides are formed of two distinct materials.

6. A system configured for sealing, unsealing and resealing a container in accordance with the apparatus of claim 1; wherein, the apparatus is applied to a container; the container comprising a first surface located on a closure member and a second surface located an adjacent surface sharing an interface with the closure member; whereby, to seal the container, the first attachment portion is configured to fasten to the first surface and the second attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface; to unseal the container, the frangible seam is configured to break and completely separate the first portion and second portion; to reseal the container, the third attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface.

7. A system configured for sealing, unsealing an resealing a container in accordance with the apparatus of claim 2; wherein, the apparatus is applied to a container; the container comprising a first surface located on an external surface of a closure member and a second surface located on an adjacent external surface sharing an interface with the closure member; whereby, to seal the container, the first attachment portion is configured to fasten to the first surface and the second attachmentportion is configured to fasten to the second surface; to unseal the container, the frangible seam is configured to break and completely separate the first portion and second portion; to reseal the container, the third attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface.

8. A system configured for sealing, unsealing an resealing a container in accordancewith the apparatus5 of claim 3; wherein, the apparatus is applied to a container; the container comprising a first surfacelocated on an internal surface of a closure member and a second surface located on an adjacent external surface sharing an interface with the closure member; whereby, to seal the container, the first attachment portion is configured to fasten to the first surface and the second attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface; to unseal the container, the frangible seam is10 configured to break and completely separate the first portion and second portion; to reseal thecontainer the third attachment portion is configured to fasten to the second surface.A

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