Closure flap for mailer package and method of utilization

Abstract

A mailer package includes a closure flap that has a fold. In at least one embodiment, the closure flap is a separate piece of a material coupled to a mailer package at an end of the mailer package that includes an opening to provide access to a cavity of the mailer package. In the at least one embodiment, the closure flap covers ends of respective flutes of a plurality of flutes that line the cavity of the mailer package providing cushioning to a product when packed into the package for shipping to a customer. The closure flap is configured to, in operation, be sealed to an exterior surface of the mailer package such that the cavity is sealed and closed by the closure flap such that the product remains within the mailer package when being shipped to the customer.

Description

CLOSURE FLAP FOR MAILER PACKAGE AND METHOD OF UTILIZATIONBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to one or more embodiments of a mailer package including a closure flap, as well as a method of utilizing the closure flap of the mailer package to ship products to a customer.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Generally, mailer packages are utilized to mail products, items, or some other type of object to a consumer that has purchased them either through an online website (e.g., an online portal), over the telephone, or by some other type of remote communication. These mailer packages generally have a closure flap that is configured to, in operation, close off a cavity within the mailer package such that the object to be shipped to the customer is secured within the mailer package. The mailer package generally is picked up by a packaging associate or employee and the packaging associate or employee takes the necessary steps to package and seal the product to be shipped to the customer within the mailer package. In some situations, the adhesive on the closure flap is covered by a release liner that is removed from the adhesive to expose the adhesive to seal the closure flap to an exterior surface of the mailer package to close off an opening sealing the product within the mailer package. As the number of products that are purchased and ship continually increases worldwide, there is an ever evolving need to increase a speed of packaging products securely and effectively by the packaging associates and employees.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to one or more embodiments of a mailer package including a closure flap configured to, in operation, close and seal an opening providing access to a cavity of the mailer package quickly, effectively, and securely. The present disclosure is further directed to one or more embodiments of a method of packaging a product into the one or more embodiments of the mailer package of the present disclosure.

[0004] For example, at least one embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure is summarized as including: a mailer body including: a first panel having a firstinterior surface and a first exterior surface opposite to the first interior surface; a second panel having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface opposite to the second interior surface; a plurality of first flutes extend along the first interior surface; a plurality of second flute extend along the second interior surface; a cavity between the first panel and the second panel and between the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes; and an opening that provides access to the cavity; a closure flap coupled to the second panel, the closure flap including: a fold including a first side and second side; a first portion on the first side of the fold, the first portion is coupled to the second panel; and a second portion on the second side of the fold, the second portion includes a closure end configured to, in operation, be coupled to the first exterior surface of the first panel; and a first closure adhesive on the second portion of the closure flap, the first closure adhesive is configured to, in operation, seal the second portion of the closure flap to the first exterior surface of the first panel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] For a better understanding of the embodiments, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify the same or similar elements or acts unless the context indicates otherwise. The sizes and relative proportions of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some of these elements may be enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility.

[0006] Figure 1 A is a front plan view of an embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figure 1 A taken along line 1B-1B in Figure 1 A;

[0008] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A and IB taken along line 1C-1C in Figure 1 A;

[0009] Figure ID is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure similar to the mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A-1C;

[0010] Figure IE is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figure ID taken along a line similar to line 1E-1E as shown in Figure ID;

[0011] Figure IF is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure similar to the mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A-1C as shown in Figure ID;

[0012] Figure 1G is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figure IF taken along line 1G-1G as shown in Figure IF;

[0013] Figure 2A is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figure 2 A taken along line 2B-2B in Figure 2 A;

[0015] Figure 3 A is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package of a present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figure 3 A taken along line 3B-3B in Figure 3 A;

[0017] Figure 4A is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figure 4 A taken along line 4B-4B in Figure 4 A;

[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 1A-1C of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method of packing a product in the embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A-1C of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figures 7A-7E are perspective views of respective steps of the method of packing the product in the embodiment of mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A-1C as set forth in the flowchart as shown in Figure 6;

[0022] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method of unpacking and repacking a product in the embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A-1C of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figures 9A-9F are perspective views of respective steps of the method of unpacking and repacking the product in the embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 1 A-1C as set forth in the flowchart as shown in Figure 8;

[0024] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method of packing a product in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 3A-3C of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figures 11 A-l 1C are perspective views of respective steps of the method of packing the product in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package as shown in Figures 3A-3C as set forth in the flowchart as shown in Figure 10.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and components associated with shipping containers or forming shipping containers have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] The present disclosure is directed to providing one or more embodiments of a mailer package that includes a closure flap that is folded. The closure flap is configured to, in operation, close off a cavity of the mailer package when a product is packed into the mailer package for shipment to a customer. As the closure flap includes a fold, the length of the closure flap is increased relative to respective closure flaps known within the packaging industry. This increase in length of the closure flap with the fold relative to these conventional closure flaps allows for a customer to more readily and easily repackage the product for returns, as well as allows for the closure flap to be more easily and readily adhered to an exterior surface of the mailer package by a packing associate or employee when packing and sealing the product within the cavity of the mailer package. In at least one embodiment, the closure flap is a separate piece of material or medium that is coupled to the mailer package such that the closure flap is capable of being made of a respective material or medium that is thicker than a respective material or medium that the mailer package is made of allowing for the closure flap to be more robust to more securely hold the product in the mailer package. In at least one embodiment, when the closure flap is a separate piece of material or medium, the closure flap covers ends of respective flute of a plurality of flutes to further facilitate ease of inserting the product into the package without the product catching on the flutes. These advantages or benefits of the mailer package with the closure flap having the fold will become readily apparent in view of the discussion as follows herein.

[0028] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to methods of utilizing (e.g., packing a product, removing a product, or re-packing a product for a return) of the one or more embodiments of mailer packages with the closure flap having the fold. As will become readily apparent in view of the discussion herein, by providing the closure flap with the fold in the one or more embodiments of the mailer packages of the present disclosure, a packaging associate or employee is capable of more quickly and efficiently pack and seal the product within the mailer package as compared to conventional mailer packages. Also, as will become readily apparent inview of the discussion herein, a customer will have an easier time repacking and resealing the product into the mailer package with the closure flap having the fold when returning the product to a seller.

[0029] Figure 1 A is directed to an embodiment of a mailer package 100 of the present disclosure. The mailer package 100 includes a mailer body 102 and a closure flap 104. In this embodiment of the mailer package 100, the mailer body 102 and the closure flap 104 are separate pieces that are coupled together, for example, by an adhesive or some other similar or like type of technique to couple to the closure flap 104 to the mailer body 102. The mailer body 102 includes a first edge portion 106 and a second edge portion 108 opposite to the first edge portion 106. The mailer body 102 is sealed along the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108. The mailer body 102 may be sealed along the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108 by an adhesive or some other similar or like type of technique to seal the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108.

[0030] A first panel 110 (e.g., a front panel) and a second panel 112 (e.g., a rear panel) are sealed together along the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108 defining a cavity 114 (see Figure 1C of the present disclosure) between the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108 and between the first panel 110 and the second panel 112. The first panel 110 and the second panel 112 are defined by a package fold 113 about which the mailer body 102 is folded such that the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108 can be sealed together to form the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100.

[0031] An opening 116 is present between the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108 and is present between the first panel 110 and the second panel 112. The opening 116 provides access to the cavity 114 such that a packaging associate or employee can easily and readily access the cavity 112 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. In other words, the opening 116 is configured to, in operation, allow the packaging associate or employee to insert a product into the cavity 114 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100.

[0032] The first panel 110 includes an exterior surface 118. A first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 is on the exterior surface 118 of the exterior surface 118. The first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 extends from the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 1 A, the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 extends entirely across the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 between opposing edges of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. In this embodiment, the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 is on the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108. The first portionof cohesive adhesive 120 is configured to, in operation, only adhere to a second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 on a surface 124, which may be referred to as a closure surface, of the closure flap 104 (see Figure IB of the present disclosure). In other words, as the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other, debris or random particulates do not readily adhere to the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122.

[0033] The closure flap 104 includes a first end 126 and a second end 128 opposite to the first end 126. A fold 130 is between the first end 126 and the second end 128. The closure flap 104 is folded about the fold 130 such that the closure flap has a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b on opposite sides of the fold 130. The first portion 104a is coupled to the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100, and the second portion 104b includes the surface 124 such that the second portion of the cohesive adhesive 122 is utilized to couple the second portion 104b to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 by adhering the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 to the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120, which will be discussed in further detail later herein.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1 A, the second portion of cohesive adhesive 120 is illustrated as being between two respective dotted lines in close proximity to the second end 128 of the closure flap as the second portion of cohesive adhesive 120 is behind the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104. The first end 126 of the closure flap 104 is illustrated by a dotted line below the two respective dotted lines representative of the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122.

[0035] A return adhesive liner layer 134 is present on a surface 136 the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 (see Figure IB of the present disclosure). The return adhesive liner layer 134 covers a return adhesive 135, which is a PSA (z.e., pressure-sensitive adhesive), that is capable of being utilized by a customer to return a product to the seller by removing the return adhesive liner layer 134 from the surface 136 of the first portion 104a exposing the return adhesive. As shown in Figure 1 A, the return adhesive liner layer 134 is represented by two respective uppermost dotted lines as the return adhesive liner layer 134 is behind the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104.

[0036] Figure IB is directed to a cross-sectional view of the mailer package 100 taken along line 1B-1B as shown in Figure 1 A. As shown in Figure IB, a plurality of first flutes 138 line a first interior surface 140 of the first panel 110 and a plurality of second flutes 142 that line a second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112. The plurality of first flutes 138 and theplurality of second flutes 142 are a corrugated medium or material that is coupled to the first interior surface 140 of the first panel 110 and the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112. In some embodiments, the plurality of first flutes 138 and the plurality of second flutes 142 are made of a single continuous corrugated medium or material such that the plurality of first flutes 138 and the plurality of second flutes 142 are integral each other. In some embodiments, the plurality of first flutes 138 and the plurality of second flutes 142 are made of separate pieces of a corrugated medium or material such that the plurality of first flutes 138 and the plurality of second flutes 142 are separate pieces.

[0037] As shown in Figure IB, the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 is coupled to the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. The closure flap 104 is coupled to the second interior surface 144 of the second panel at a region that extends outward from the opening 116 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. In this embodiment of the mailer package 100, the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 covers respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142 lining a region of the second interior surface 144 that defines the cavity 114 within the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. In some embodiments, when the closure flap 104a is positioned to cover the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142 are slightly crushed or flattened. The first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 covering the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142 allows for a packaging associate or employee to more easily insert a product within the cavity 114 through the opening 116 as the product cannot readily catch on the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142.

[0038] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of the mailer package 100 taken along line 1C-1C as shown in Figure 1 A. As shown in Figure 1C, the cavity 114 within the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100 is lined with the plurality of first flutes 138, which extend along the first interior surface 140 of first panel 110, and the plurality of second flutes 142, which extend along the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112. As one can more readily see in Figure 1C, the first panel 110 and the second panel 112 are sealed and adhered together at the first edge portion 106 and the second edge portion 108. In this embodiment of the mailer package 100, the first panel 110 and the second panel 112 are sealed and adhered together by an adhesive.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1 A, a tear strip 137 and a plurality of perforations 139 that extends along the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 and is present between the firstportion of cohesive adhesive 122 and the fold 130. However, while the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are shown being located at this position along the closure flap 104 of the mailer package 100, it will be readily appreciated the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 can be located anywhere along the first portion 104a or the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 as long as the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are located between the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 and the return adhesive liner layer134.

[0040] Figure ID is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package 101 that is similar to the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C. Figure IE is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 as shown in Figure ID taken along line 1E-1E as shown in Figure ID. However, unlike the embodiment of the mailer package 100 that utilizes the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122, the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 includes one or more respective portions of PSA (z.e., pressure-sensitive adhesive). This alternative embodiment has many of the same or similar features as the mailer package 100, and, therefore, these same or similar features are provided with the same or similar reference numerals with respect to these features as shown and discussed with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C. For the sake of simplicity and brevity of the present disclosure, the following discussion will focus on the different features of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 relative to the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as already described in detail earlier herein.

[0041] This alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 includes a closure adhesive 141, which can be referred to as a first portion of PSA, and includes the return adhesive135, which can be referred to as a second portion of PSA. Furthermore, unlike the embodiment of the mailer package 100 that includes the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and second portion of cohesive adhesive 122, the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 does not include the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive.

[0042] The closure adhesive 141 is a PSA, which may be the same or a different type of PSA relative to the return adhesive 135. The closure adhesive 141 is on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104. The exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the closure adhesive 141 from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 such that the closure adhesive 141remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 when the closure flap 104 is peeled away from the return adhesive liner layer 134 to be closed to seal a respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101. For example, after a packaging associate or employee has inserted a product into the cavity 114, the packaging associate or employee peels the second portion 104b of the closure flap from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134. After the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 has been peeled from the return adhesive liner layer 134, the closure adhesive 141, which is a PSA, remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 and the packaging associate or employee presses the closure adhesive against the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 closing the opening 116 sealing the respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101.

[0043] The interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the return adhesive liner layer 134 from the return adhesive 135 on the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 such that the return adhesive 135 remains present on the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 when the closure flap 104 is being utilized by a customer or buyer to close and seal a respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 to return the product to a seller. For example, when a customer or buyer receives the respective product shipped to them in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101, the customer or buyer opens the package by pulling on the tear strip 137 tearing away the tear strip 137 providing access to the respective product in the cavity 114 through the opening 116. When the customer or buyer determines that the respective product is to be returned to the seller, the customer or buyer reutilizes the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 by reinserting the respective product into the cavity 114 back through the opening 116 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101. Once the respective product is back in the cavity 114, the customer or buyer pulls on the return adhesive liner layer 134 such that the return adhesive liner layer 134 is removed from the return adhesive 135. By removing the return adhesive liner layer 134, the return adhesive 135 remains present on the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104. The customer or buyer then presses the return adhesive 135 to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of closing the opening 116 and resealing the respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101. The customer or buyer then can drop or provide the respective product resealed and repacked within thealternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 to a courier for shipment back to the seller to complete a return process.

[0044] Figure IF is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package 103 of the present disclosure that is similar to the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C. Figure 1G is a cross-sectional of the alternative embodiment of the mailer pacakge 103 as shown in Figure IF taken along line 1G-1G as shown in Figure IF. However, unlike the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C that utilizes the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122, the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 103 includes one or more respective portions of PSA (z.e., pressure-sensitive adhesive). This alternative embodiment has many of the same or similar features as the mailer package 100, and, therefore, these same or similar features are provided with the same or similar reference numerals with respect to these features as shown and discussed with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C. For the sake of simplicity and brevity of the present disclosure, the following discussion will focus on the different features of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 103 relative to the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as already described in detail earlier herein.

[0045] The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 103 includes the closure adhesive 141, which can be referred to as a first portion of PSA, and includes the return adhesive 135, which can be referred to as a second portion of PSA. Furthermore, unlike the embodiment of the mailer package 100 that includes the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and second portion of cohesive adhesive 122, the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 103 does not include the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive.

[0046] The closure adhesive 141 is a PSA, which may be the same or a different type of PSA relative to the return adhesive 135. The closure adhesive 141 is on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104. The a region 143 of the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the closure adhesive 141 from the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 such that the closure adhesive 141 remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 when the closure flap 104 is peeled away from the region 143 to be closed to seal a respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101. For example, after a packaging associate or employee has inserted a product into the cavity 114, the packaging associate or employee peels the second portion 104b of the closureflap 104 from the region 143 of the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104. After the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 has been peeled from the region 143 of the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104, the closure adhesive 141, which is a PSA, remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 and the packaging associate or employee presses the closure adhesive 141 against the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 closing the opening 116 sealing the respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 103.

[0047] The return adhesive liner layer 134 is spaced upward from the region 143 at which the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 is removable coupled to the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104. The interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the return adhesive liner layer 134 from the return adhesive 135 on the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 such that the return adhesive 135 remains present on the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104 when the closure flap 104 is being utilized by a customer or buyer to close and seal a respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 to return the product to a seller. For example, when a customer or buyer receives the respective product shipped to them in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101, the customer or buyer opens the package by pulling on the tear strip 137 tearing away the tear strip 137 providing access to the respective product in the cavity 114 through the opening 116. When the customer or buyer determines that the respective product is to be returned to the seller, the customer or buyer reutilizes the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 by reinserting the respective product into the cavity 114 back through the opening 116 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101. Once the respective product is back in the cavity 114, the customer or buyer pulls on the return adhesive liner layer 134 such that the return adhesive liner layer 134 is removed from the return adhesive 135. By removing the return adhesive liner layer 134, the return adhesive 135 remains present on the surface 148 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104. The customer or buyer then presses the return adhesive 135 to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of closing the opening 116 and resealing the respective product within the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101. The customer or buyer then can drop or provide the respective product resealed and repacked within the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 101 to a courier for shipment back to the seller to complete a return process.

[0048] Figure 2A is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package 200 of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 taken along line 2B-2B as shown in Figure 2A. The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 includes some of the same or similar features of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as already described in detail herein. The features in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 as shown in Figures 2A-2C that are the same or similar to the features of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 are provided with the same reference numerals as shown in Figures 1 A-1C of the embodiment of the mailer package 100.

[0049] The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 includes the mailer body 102 as described in detail earlier herein with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100. The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 includes the closure flap 104 as described in detail earlier herein with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100. However, unlike the closure flap 104 of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A and IB, the closure flap 104 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 as shown in Figure 2B does not cover the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142. In other words, the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 terminates along the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112 of the mailer body 102 before covering the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142. While in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 it is shown that the first end 126 terminates before reaching the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 200, the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 is in closer proximity to the respective ends 126 of the plurality of second flutes 142. While in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 it is shown that the first end 126 terminates before reaching the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 200, the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 abuts the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142.

[0050] As shown in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200, the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are between the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 and the fold 130 of the closure flap 104. However, while the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are shown being located at this position along the closure flap 104 of the mailer package 200, it will be readily appreciated the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 can be located anywhere along the first portion 104a or the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 as long as the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 arelocated between the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 and the return adhesive liner layer 134.

[0051] The closure flap 104 includes an inner surface 148 and an outer surface 150 opposite to the inner surface. The outer surface 150 is coupled to the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112 by an adhesive such that the closure flap 104 is coupled to the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112. The inner surface 148 includes the respective surfaces 124, 136 of the closure flap 104. As shown in this embodiment of the mailer package 100 in Figure IB, the return adhesive 135 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 are on the inner surface 148, and, more specifically, is on the surface 136. In some other alternative embodiments of the mailer package 100, the return adhesive 135 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 are positioned at some other location along the inner surface 148 of the closure flap 104 as shown in Figure IB.

[0052] Figure 3 A is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package 300 of the present disclosure. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the mailer package 300 taken along line 3B-3B as shown in Figure 3 A. The features in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 as shown in Figures 3 A and 3B that are the same or similar to the features of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 and the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 are provided with the same reference numerals of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 and the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200.

[0053] The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 includes the mailer body 102 as described in detail earlier herein with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100. The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200 includes the closure flap 104 as described in detail earlier herein with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100. However, unlike the closure flap 104 of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A and IB, the closure flap 104 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 as shown in Figure 3B does not cover the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142. In other words, the first end 126 terminates before reaching the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 is in closer proximity to the respective ends of the second flutes 142. While in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 it is shown that the first end 126 terminates before reaching the second ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 abuts the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142. While in thisalternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 it is shown that the first end 126 terminates before reaching the second ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 abuts the respective ends of the plurality of second flutes 142.

[0054] Furthermore, while the cohesive adhesive 120 is present at the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 in the embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200 as shown in Figures 1A-1C, 2A, and 2B, respectively, in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300, the cohesive adhesive 120 is not present. Instead, one or more pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) are utilized in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 instead of the first portion and the second portion of cohesive adhesives 120, 122. Unlike the first portion and the second portion of cohesive adhesives 120, 122 are only capable of being adhered to each other, in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300, the one or more pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) are configured to, in operation, be adhered to any surface to which they are pressed against after being exposed.

[0055] A first portion of PSA 302 is on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 in close proximity to the second end 128 of the closure flap 104. The first portion of the PSA 302 temporarily adheres the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 to an exterior surface the return adhesive liner layer 134. For example, when a packaging associate or employee wants to close or seal the opening 116 and the cavity 114 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300, the packaging associate pulls on the closure flap 104 removing the second end 128 from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 exposing the first portion of PSA 302. Then the packaging associate or employee places the first portion of PSA 302 on the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 100 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300 and presses onto the first portion of PSA 302 to couple or adhere the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 to the exterior surface 118. The first portion of PSA 302 remains present on the surface 124 of the closure flap 104 instead of on the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 as the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the first portion of PSA 302 from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 such that it remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104.

[0056] A second portion of PSA 304 is between an interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112 of the mailer body102. The interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is opposite to the exterior return adhesive liner layer 134. The second portion of PSA 304 is configured to, in operation, be utilized by a customer to repack the mailer package 300 and seal the opening 116 and the cavity of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300 when returning a product to a seller. For example, after the customer has opened the closure flap 104 to access the product within the cavity 114 of the mailer package 300 through the opening 116, the customer reinserts the product into the cavity 114 of the mailer package 300 and pulls on the return adhesive liner layer 134 exposing the second portion PSA 304 on the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300. The customer then applies the second portion of PSA 304 to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 118 and applies pressure to the second portion of PSA 304 closing and sealing the opening 116 and the cavity 114 of the mailer package 300. The second portion of PSA 304 remains present on the second interior surface 144 of the closure flap 104 instead of on the interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 as interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the first portion of PSA 302 from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 such that it remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104.

[0057] While in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 as shown in Figure 3B, the second portion of PSA 304 is on the interior surface 144 of the second panel 112, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the closure flap 104 and the return adhesive release liner 134 has the same or similar structure and positioning as the closure flap 104 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 as shown in Figures 1 A and IB. For example, in this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the closure flap 104 has the same structure and positioning as shown in Figure IB such that the closure flap 104 covers the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 is on the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104, the first portion of PSA 302 is on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 and temporarily adheres the closure flap 104 to the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134, and the second portion of PSA 304 is between the interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the surface 136 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104. In other words, while in Figure IB of the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134, in this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the second end128 of the closure flap 104 is temporarily adhered to the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 by the first portion of PSA 302. In this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the cohesive adhesive 120 is not present on exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 as the first portion of PSA 302 is utilized to instead seal and close the opening 116 and the cavity 114 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300.

[0058] While in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 as shown in Figure 3B, the second portion of PSA 304 is on the interior surface 144 of the second panel 112, in at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the closure flap 104 and the return adhesive release liner 134 has the same or similar structure and positioning as the closure flap 104 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. For example, in this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the closure flap 104 has the same structure and positioning as shown in Figure 2B such that the closure flap 104 is slightly spaced apart from the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 is on the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104, the first portion of PSA 302 is on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 and temporarily adheres the closure flap 104 to the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134, and the second portion of PSA 304 is between the interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the surface 136 of the first portion 104a of the closure flap 104. In other words, while in Figure 2B of the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134, in this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 is temporarily adhered to the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 by the first portion of PSA 302. In this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 300, the cohesive adhesive 120 is not present on exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 as the first portion of PSA 302 is utilized to instead seal and close the opening 116 and the cavity 114 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300.

[0059] As shown in this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300, the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are between the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 and the fold 130 of the closure flap 104. However, while the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are shown being located at this position along the closure flap 104 of the mailer package 200, it will be readily appreciated the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 can be located anywhere along the first portion 104a or the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 as long as the tear strip 137 and the plurality of perforations 139 are located between the first portion of PSA 302 and the return adhesive liner layer 134 covering the return adhesive 135.

[0060] In view of the above discussion, these features are capable of being repositioned depending on whether the first portion and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 120, 122 is utilized, or, if instead, the first portion and the second portion of PSA 302, 304 are utilized. In other words, when the first portion and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 120, 122 are utilized, the first portion and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 120, 122 do not need to be covered as the first portion and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 120, 122 only adhere to each other, whereas, when the first portion and the second portion of PSA 302, 304 is utilized, the first portion and the second portion 302, 304 need to remain covered until being utilized to seal and close the respective mailer package to prevent debris from sticking to the first portion and the second portion 302, 304 before sealing or closing the respective mailer package, which could affect the robustness or strength of the seal when sealing or closing the respective mailer package.

[0061] Figure 4A is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mailer package 400 of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the mailer package 400 taken along line 4B-4B as shown in Figure 4B. The features in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 400 as shown in Figures 4A and 4B that are the same or similar to the features of the embodiment of the mailer package 100, the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200, and the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 are provided with the same reference numerals of the embodiment of the mailer package 100, the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 200, and the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300.

[0062] The alternative embodiment of the mailer package 400 includes the mailer body 102 and the closure flap 104. However, unlike the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300 as discussed earlier herein in which the mailer body 102 and the closure flap 104 are made of separate pieces that are coupled or adhered together, in the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 400, the mailer body 102 and the closure flap 104 are made a single, continuous material such that the closure flap 104 is integral the mailer body 102. In other words, the second panel 112 of the mailer body 102 is made of a single, continuous material with the closure flap 104 such that the closure flap 104 is integral the second portion 112 of the mailer body 102 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 400. As the second panel 112 and the closure flap 104 are made of the single, continuous material, the closure flap 104 of the mailer package 400 only includes the second end 128 and does not include the first end 126. In this alternative embodiment of the mailer package 400, the firstportion of cohesive adhesive 120 is present on the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer package 400 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 is present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 in close proximity to the second end 128 of the closure flap 104.

[0063] In at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 400, the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 is not present on the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 400. Instead, in this at least one other embodiment of the mailer package 400, the first portion of PSA 302 is present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 and is temporarily adhered to the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134, and the second portion of PSA 304 is between the interior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112 of the mailer package 400.

[0064] The various versions of the closure flaps 104 of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 have a length greater than conventional mailer packages known within the packaging industry. The closure flaps 104 of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure have the greater length because the closure flaps 104 include the first portion 104a and the second portion 104b that are on opposing sides of the fold 130. This increased length relative to the conventional mailer packages results in the closure flap being placed at a location further down from the opening 116 of the mailer body 102 providing a more robust and strong seal decreasing a likelihood of a product exiting the respective embodiments of the mailer package 100, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure as compared to conventional mailer packages.

[0065] The various versions of the closure flaps 104 of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300 are made of a separate piece that allows for the closure flaps 104 to be made of a material or medium of selected thickness to balance increasing a strength and robustness of the closure flap 104 and an overall weight of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300. For example, when the closure flaps 104 are increased in thickness, the closure flaps become more robust and resilient to ripping during shipment that can result in a product within the respective embodiment of the mailer package 100, 200, 300 becoming damaged or being unintentionally removed from the respective embodiments of the mailer package 100, 200, 300. However, as the closure flaps 104 is increased in thickness, the overall weight of the respective embodiments of the mailer package 100, 200, 300 is increased. In view of this discussion, the thickness of the closure flaps 104 and the overall weight of therespective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300 are capable of being balanced against each other for a set of parameters desired for a situation (e.g., a specific product) in which the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 20, 300 are to be utilized (e.g., shipping the specific product to a customer within the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300).

[0066] The various versions of the closure flaps 104 of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300 are made of a separate piece that allows for the closure flaps 104 to be made of either the same material or medium or a different material or medium of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package. For example, the various versions of the closure flaps of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300 is capable of being made of multiple types of materials depending on the use and application (e.g., a specific product) in which the respective embodiments of packages 100, 200, 300 are to be utilized (e.g., shipping the specific product to a customer within the respective embodiments of the mailer package 100, 200, 300). In other words, various combinations of the mediums and materials for the mailer bodies 102 and the closure flaps 104 are capable of being mixed and matched to provide a robust and strong mailer package for shipping experience of a product to a customer. For example, the mailer bodies 102 and the closure flaps 104 of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300 are made of the same material or medium or are made of different materials or mediums.

[0067] Generally, the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 are made of a material or medium or materials or mediums that are capable of being recycled together. Since the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 are made of the material or medium or the materials and mediums that are capable of being recycled together, the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 are capable of being placed directly into a recycling container without having to be broken down into individual recyclable components.

[0068] In at least some situations, the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure are made of a poly-based material or medium. In at least some situations, the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure are made of a plant-based material or medium. In at least some situations, the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure are made of a combination of a poly-based material or medium and a plantbased material or medium.

[0069] While the return adhesive liner layer 134 in the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 are shown in relatively close proximity to the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, it will be readily appreciated that respective positions of the return adhesive liner layers in the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 is capable of being positioned anywhere along the surfaces 136 of the closure flaps 104. For example, in at least some situations, the return adhesive liner layer 134 is positioned in closer proximity to the folds 130 than the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142. By repositioning the return adhesive liner layer 134, which means that the return adhesive covered by the return adhesive liner layer 134 has been repositioned as well, to be closer to the fold, provides a customer with respective longer portions of the closure flap 104 being capable of being utilized by the customer to repack and reseal the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400. In other words, the customer will have a more pleasant and easy experience in repacking and resealing the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 as compared to conventional mailer packages that don’t include the closure flaps 104 with the fold 130.

[0070] While no Figures are provided with respect to a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 similar to the cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figure 1C, it is readily apparent that a similar cross-sectional views of the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 would look essentially the same or similar to the cross- sectional view of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figure 1C when a respective cross-section of those respective embodiments of the mailer packages 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 is taken along a line at a similar to location as line 1C-1C as shown in Figure 1 A of the present disclosure.

[0071] While the embodiments of present disclosure of the mailer packages 100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 300, 400 all include respective flutes 138, 142 that line the cavity 114, it will be readily appreciated that the various and alternative embodiments of the closure flaps 104 of the present disclosure are capable of being applied to other types of mailers such as bubble mailers or mailers that have product cavities that are not lined with the plurality of flutes. For example, in at least one alternative embodiment, a mailer package is a single layer mailer package that only includes the first panel 110 and the second panel 112 and does not include the plurality of first flutes 138 and the plurality of second flutes 142 such that the mailer package is a single layer mailer package. For example, in at least one alternative embodiment, a mailer package is abubble mailer in which the plurality of first flutes 138 and the plurality of second flutes 142 are replaced with one or more additional layers of material so the cavity 114 of the mailer package is lined with a plurality of first bubbles along the first interior surface 140 of the first panel 110 and a plurality of second bubbles along the second interior surface 144 of the second panel 112. In view of this discussion, the respective embodiments of the closure flap 104 of the present disclosure is capable of being readily applied to any other type of mailer package or package configured to, in operation, ship a product to a customer or buyer that purchased the product.

[0072] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C of the present disclosure. Unlike as the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C, the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the return adhesive 135 covered by the return adhesive liner layer 134 are present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104. The return adhesive liner layer 134 and the return adhesive 135 are positioned closer to the fold 130 than the tear strip 137 such that once a customer has opened the mailer package 100 utilizing the tear strip 137 the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the return adhesive are capable of being utilized to reseal a remaining portion of the closure flap 104, which is present between the closure flap and the first end 126 of the closure flap 104, to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 to reseal the opening 116 and the cavity of the mailer package 100 when returning a product to a seller. In view of this alternative embodiment, the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the return adhesive 135 is capable of being repositioned along the closure flaps 104 of the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 to increase an ease of which a customer can repack and reseal the mailer package by leaving a longer portion of the closure flap remaining after the customer has utilized the tear strip 137 to open the respective embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400.

[0073] Figure 6 is directed to a flowchart 500 of a method of packing the embodiment of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C. The flowchart 500 includes a first step 502, a second step 504, and a third step 506. Various points of packing the embodiment of the mailer package 100 in carrying out the first step 502, the second step 504, and the third step 506 are readily visible in Figures 7A-7E of the present disclosure.

[0074] In the first step 504, a product P is inserted into the cavity 114 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100 by passing the product into and throw the opening 116 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. For example, as shown in Figure 7A, a packaging associate or employee pulls on the first panel 110 and inserts the product P into the cavity 114 through the opening 116. As the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 covers the respective ends146 of the plurality of second flutes 142, the product P does not catch on the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142 due to the first end 126 of the closure flap 104 covering the respective ends 146 of the plurality of second flutes 142.

[0075] After the first step 502 in which the product P is inserted into the cavity 114 through the opening 116 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100, in the second step 504 the packaging associate or employee unfolds the fold 130 of the closure flap 104. The unfolding of the closure flap 104 is readily visible in Figure 7B.

[0076] After the second step 504 in which the packaging associate or employee unfolds the fold 130 of the closure flap 104, in the third step 506 the packaging associate or employee moves the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 towards the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100. The packaging associate or employee moving the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 towards the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 is readily visible in Figure 7C. Once the packaging associate or employee has aligned the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 on the surface 124 of the closure flap 104 with the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 on the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100, the packaging associate presses the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 onto the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 adhering the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 to the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120. This adhesion of the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 to the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 results in the closure flap 104 sealing and closing off the opening 116 and the cavity 114 resulting in the product P being sealed and packed within the mailer package 100. The second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 being adhered with the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 is readily visible in Figures 7C and 7D.

[0077] The result of carrying out the first step 502, the second step 504, and the third step 506 of the flowchart 500 is readily visible in Figure 7E in which the product P is sealed within the cavity 114 of the mailer package and is ready to be shipped to a customer that purchased the product P. The method of utilizing the mailer package 100 as set forth in the flowchart 500 (see Figure 6) and as illustrated in Figures 7A-7E is faster than utilizing a conventional mailer package that require removing a liner that is protecting a closure adhesive. In other words, the presence of the first and second portions of the cohesive adhesive 120, 122 removes a step of having to remove an adhesive liner layer that covers a closure adhesive for closing and sealing the mailer package 100. By removing this extra step as compared to a conventional mailer package in which the adhesive liner layer has to be removed to expose the closure adhesivebefore closing the package reduces an overall time it takes to package the product P within the mailer package 100 relative to the conventional mailer package. While this only slightly speeds up the packing process by the packaging associate or employee relative to a single item, over a work shift in which the packaging associate or employee packs several products, this increases the number of products the packaging associate or employe can pack during their work shift increasing the number of products that can be shipped to customers during the packaging associate or employee’s work shift.

[0078] The presence of the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 increases the likelihood of the packaging associate or employee forms a robust, strong, and solid seal reducing the likelihood of the product P packed within the mailer package 100 from exiting the mailer package during shipping and prevents the product P from being damaged when shipping the product P within the mailer package 100. This is because the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other such that debris or contaminants do not adhere to the first portion of cohesive adhesive 120 and the second portion of cohesive adhesive 122 further facilitating a robust, strong, and solid seal.

[0079] Figure 8 is a flowchart 800 of a method of opening and repacking the mailer package 100 as shown in Figures 1 A-1C of the present disclosure. The flowchart 600 includes a first step 602, a second step 604, a third step 606, a fourth step 608 and a fifth step 610. Various points of opening and repacking the embodiment of the mailer package 100 in carrying out the first step 802, the second step 604, the third step 606, the fourth step 608, and the fifth step 610 are readily visible in Figures 9A-9F. The opening and repacking of the mailer package 100 occurs after the method of utilizing the mailer package 100 as set forth in the flowchart 600 has been carried out to ship the product P within the mailer package 100 to a customer.

[0080] In the first step 602, a customer or recipient of the mailer package 100 pulls on the tear strip 137 tearing along the plurality of perforations 139 to expose the opening 116 and the cavity 114 in which the product P is present. In other words, the customer or recipient pulls up on the tear strip 137 and pulls in the rightward direction based on the orientation as shown in Figure 9A resulting in the plurality of perforations 139 tearing providing access to the opening 116 and the cavity 114 in which the product P is present. As shown in Figure 9B, after the tear strip 137 has been fully removed (e.g., torn away) from the mailer package 100, the closure flap 104 is separated into a first portion 612a and a second portion 612b. The first portion 612a is a remaining portion that remains coupled to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of themailer body 102 of the mailer package 100, and the second portion 612b includes a free end 614 that is now movable such that the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104 is capable of being utilized to reseal the product P within the mailer package 100 when returning the product P to the seller. By removing the tear strip 137, a region 616 separating the first portion 612a and the second portion 612b of the closure flap 614 is formed.

[0081] After the first step 602 in which the customer or recipient has removed the tear strip 137 separating the first portion 612a and the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104 by forming the region 616, in a second step 604 the customer or recipient pulls back the second portion 612b providing access to the product P within the cavity 114 through the opening 116 as shown in Figure 9C. The customer or recipient then removes the product P from the cavity 114 through the opening 116 to inspect the product P to determine whether the customer or recipient will keep the product P or decide to return the product P to the seller.

[0082] After the second step 604 in which the product P has been removed from the cavity 114 through the opening 116 and inspected by the customer or recipient, when the customer determines to return the product P to the seller, in the third step 607 the customer or recipient reinserts the product P into the cavity 114 through the opening 116 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100 (not shown). In other words, after inspection, in the third step 607 the customer or recipient reinserts the product P into the cavity 114 of the mailer package 100 to reutilize the mailer package 100 to return the product P to the seller.

[0083] After the third step 606 in which the product P has been reinserted into the cavity 114 of the mailer package 100 by the customer or recipient to reutilize the mailer package 100 to return the product P to the seller, in the fourth step 610 the customer or recipient removes the return adhesive liner layer 134 to expose a return adhesive 135 on a respective surface of the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104 as shown in Figure 9D. The customer or recipient removes the return adhesive liner layer 134 by pulling upward and to the right on the return adhesive liner layer 134 based on the orientation of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figure 9D. Once the return adhesive liner layer 134 is fully removed, the entirety of the return adhesive 135 present on the respective surface of the second portion 612b of the closure flap is fully exposed.

[0084] After the fourth step 608 in which the return adhesive liner layer 134 has been fully removed fully exposing the return adhesive 135 on the respective surface of the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104, in the fifth step 610 the customer or recipient folds the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104 and presses the return adhesive 135 onto the mailerpackage 100 resealing the product P within the cavity 114 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100 as shown in Figure 9E. For example, as shown in Figure 9E, the return adhesive 135 is applied to a location of the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package that is between the first portion 612a of the closure flap 104 the remains coupled to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 100 and the opening 116. In other words, the free end 614 of the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104 is folded over the opening 116 such that the return adhesive 135 is utilized to reseal the product within the cavity 114 by closing off the opening 116 such that the product P can be returned to the seller by reutilizing the mailer package 100. Alternatively, while the return adhesive 135 as shown in Figure 9E is applied to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 to reseal the cavity 114 by closing the opening 116, the return adhesive 135 can similarly be applied to the first portion 612a of the closure flap 104 that remains coupled and adhered to the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 to seal the cavity 114 by closing the opening 116.

[0085] After the first, second, third, fourth and fifth steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 have been carried out, the results of the product P being repackaged and resealed within the cavity 114 of the mailer package 100 is readily visible in Figure 9F. As the product P is now repackaged and resealed within the cavity 114 of the mailer package 100, the customer or recipient of the mailer package 100 can now return the product P packed in the mailer package 100 to the seller through a mail carry or courier service.

[0086] In view of the discussion above, as the closure flap 104 of the embodiment of the mailer package 100 and the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages 200, 300, 400 have the length greater than conventional mailer packages known within the packaging industry, the customer or recipient will have an easier time resealing the product P within the embodiment of the mailer package 100 and the alternative embodiments of the mailer package 200, 300, 400 as compared to conventional mailer packages known within the packaging industry. The longer length of the closure flap 104 allows for the return adhesive liner layer 134 and the return adhesive 135 to be placed in close proximity to the tear strip 137, which allows for an ample amount of the closure flap (z.e., the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104) remaining after the tear strip 137 has been removed. Since an ample amount of the closure flap 104 (z.e., the second portion 612b of the closure flap 104) remains usable for resealing the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 after the tear strip 137 has been removed, the customer or recipient can quickly, easily, and consistently reseal the product P within the mailer packages 100, 200, 300,400 of the present disclosure when returning the product P to the seller by reutilizing the mailer packages 100, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure.

[0087] While the above discussions of the methods of the flowcharts 500, 600 are discussed with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 100, it will be readily appreciated that these embodiments of the methods of utilizing (z.e., the flowchart 500) and repacking (z.e., the flowchart 600) can be readily applied and adapted to utilizing and repacking the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity and brevity of the present disclosure, these methods of utilizing and repacking the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure are not discussed in detail herein but will be readily appreciated in view of the detailed discussion with respect to the utilization and repacking of the mailer package 100 with respect to Figures 6, 7A-7E, 8, and 9A-9F of the present disclosure earlier herein.

[0088] Figure 9 is a flowchart 700 of a method of utilizing the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 as shown in Figures 3A and 3B of the present disclosure. The flowchart 700 includes a first step 702, a second step 704, and a third step 706. Various points of packing the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 in carrying out the first step 702, the second step 704, and the third step 706 is visible in Figures 11 A-l 1C.

[0089] In the first step 702 the packaging associate inserts the product P into the cavity 114 of the mailer package 300 through the opening 116 of the mailer package 100. The product P being within the cavity 114 of the mailer package 300 is readily visible in Figure 11 A.

[0090] Afte the first step 702 in which the product P has been inserted into the cavity 114 through the opening 116 of the mailer package 300, in the second step 704 the packaging associate or employee pulls up on the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 to release the closure flap 104 from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 exposing the first portion of PSA 302 present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 as shown in Figure 11 A. The first portion of PSA 302 remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 after the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 has been fully removed from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134. The first portion of PSA 302 remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 instead of the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 as the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 is coated with a silicone based material, a metal based material, or some other suitable or like material configured to, in operation, facilitate removal of the first portion of PSA 302 form the exterior surface of the return adhesive linerlayer 134 such that it remains present on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104. After the packaging associate or employee has removed the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134, the packaging associate or mailer unfolds the closure flap 104 about the fold 130. The unfolding of the closure flap 104 about the fold 130 of the alternative embodiment of the mailer package 300 is readily visible in Figure 1 IB.

[0091] After the second step 704 in which the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 has been removed from the exterior surface of the return adhesive liner layer 134 exposing the first portion of PSA 302 and the closure flap 104 has unfolded about the fold 130, in the third step 706 the packaging associate or employee presses the first portion of PSA 302 on the surface 124 of the second portion 104b of the closure flap 104 against the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300. The pressing of the first portion of PSA 302 against the exterior surface 118 of the first panel 110 of the mailer body 102 of the mailer package 300 results in closing the opening 116 by adhering the second end 128 of the closure flap 104 to the exterior surface 118 with the first portion of PSA 302. This closing of the opening 116 with the closure flap 104 results in the product P being sealed within the cavity 114 for shipping the product P to a customer, buyer, or recipient within the mailer package 300.

[0092] While the above discussion of the method of the flowchart 700 is discussed with respect to the embodiment of the mailer package 300, it will be readily appreciated that the embodiment of the method of utilizing (z.e., the flowchart 700) can be readily applied and adapted to utilizing and repacking the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity and brevity of the present disclosure, the methods of utilizing the alternative embodiments of the mailer packages of the present disclosure are not discussed in detail herein but will be readily appreciated in view of the detailed discussion with respect to the utilization of the mailer package 300 with respect to Figures 10 and 11 A-l 1C of the present disclosure earlier herein.

[0093] While the above methods are described with respect to only a couple embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 101, 103, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure, it will be readily appreciated that the respective steps of the embodiments of the methods (z.e., the respective flowcharts 500, 600, 700) of the present disclosure may be readily adapted and adjusted depending on the various embodiment or alternative embodiment of the mailer packages 100, 101, 103, 200, 300, 400 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] While some of the embodiments of the present disclosure disclose utilizing cohesive adhesives and some describe utilizing PSAs (ie., pressure-sensitive adhesives), it will be readily appreciated that these along with other types of adhesives may be utilized to provide various alternative embodiments within the scope of this present disclosure.

[0095] In view of the above discussion herein, it will be readily appreciated that these various embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 101, 103, 200, 300, 400 or alternative embodiments of mailer packages within the scope of the present disclosure increase the speed at which a packaging associate or employee increasing the number of articles or products packaged per hour. In other words, the closure flap 104 with the fold 130 of the various embodiments of the mailer packages 100, 101, 103, 200, 300, 400 of the present disclosure or various embodiments of mailer packages within the scope of the present disclosure allow for a packaging associate or employee to package an article or product into the mailer packages by reducing a number of motions (for example, one-motion or single motion packaging) or steps taken to package and seal the article or package within the mailer packages. This increased number of articles or products packaged per hour allow for a packaging facility to increase a total number of articles or products that are packaged and shipped out to customers increasing an overall output by the packaging facility.

[0096] At least one embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure is summarized as including: a mailer body including: a first panel having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface opposite to the first interior surface; a second panel having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface opposite to the second interior surface; a cavity between the first panel and the second panel; and an opening that provides access to the cavity; a closure flap coupled to the second panel, the closure flap including: a fold including a first side and second side; a first portion on the first side of the fold, the first portion is coupled to the second panel; and a second portion on the second side of the fold, the second portion includes a closure end configured to, in operation, be coupled to the first exterior surface of the first panel; and a first closure adhesive on the second portion of the closure flap, the first closure adhesive is configured to, in operation, seal the second portion of the closure flap to the first exterior surface of the first panel.

[0097] The mailer body further includes: a plurality of first flutes that extend along the first interior surface; and a plurality of second flutes that extend along the second interior surface.

[0098] The first panel and the second panel are made of a first continuous material, and the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes are made of a second continuous material.

[0099] The first continuous material and the second continuous material are recyclable.

[0100] The second panel and the closure flap are made of a single continuous material.

[0101] The second panel and the closure flap are made of separate pieces of material.

[0102] The closure flap is coupled to the second interior surface of the second panel by an adhesive.

[0103] The first closure adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive configured to, in operation, be pressed against the first exterior surface of the first panel to close off the opening of the mailer body and seal the cavity of the mailer body.

[0104] The mailer package further including a second closure adhesive on the exterior surface of the first panel, and wherein the first closure adhesive and the second closure adhesive are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other.

[0105] The mailer package further including: a return adhesive liner layer on the closure flap; and a return adhesive between the return adhesive liner layer and a respective surface of the closure flap, wherein the return adhesive liner layer is configured to, in operation, be removed to expose the return adhesive.

[0106] At least one embodiment of a mailer package of the present disclosure is summarized as including: a mailer body including: a first panel having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface opposite to the first interior surface; a second panel having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface opposite to the second panel; a plurality of first flutes extend along the first interior surface; a plurality of second flutes extend along the second interior surface; a cavity between the first panel and the second panel and between the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes; and an opening that provides access to the cavity; a closure flap coupled to the second panel, the closure flap being made of a separate piece of material from the second panel, the closure flap is adhered to the second panel, the closure flap including: a fold including a first side and a second side; a first portion on the first side of the fold, the first portion is coupled to the second panel by an adhesive, and the first portion of the closure flap covers respective ends of the plurality of second flutes; and a second portion on the second side of the fold, the second portion includes a closure end configured to, in operation, be coupled to the first exterior surface of the first panel; and a first closure adhesive on the secondportion of the closure flap, the first closure adhesive is configured to, in operation, seal the second portion of the closure flap to the first exterior surface of the first panel.

[0107] The first panel and the second panel are made of a first continuous material; and the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes are made of a second continuous material.

[0108] The first continuous material and the second continuous material are the same material.

[0109] The first closure adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive configured to, in operation, be pressed against the first exterior surface of the first panel to close off the opening of the mailer body and seal the cavity of the mailer body.

[0110] The mailer package further including a second closure adhesive on the exterior surface of the first panel, and wherein the first closure adhesive and the second closure adhesive are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other[OHl] The mailer package further including: a return adhesive liner layer on the closure flap; and a return adhesive between the return adhesive liner layer and a respective surface of the closure flap, wherein the return adhesive liner layer is configured to, in operation, be removed to expose the return adhesive

[0112] The mailer package further including a tear strip along the closure flap, the tear strip is between the closure end of the second portion and a location at which the first portion is coupled to the second panel, and the tear strip is configured to, in operation, be torn to access the opening and the cavity of the mailer body when the closure flap has been sealed to the first exterior surface of the first panel.

[0113] At least one embodiment of a method of the present disclosure is summarized as including: inserting a product into a cavity of a mailer body through an opening of the mailer body that provides access to the cavity of the mailer body; unfolding a fold of a closure flap; and adhering the closure flap to an exterior surface of a respective panel of the mailer body by pressing a first adhesive on the closure flap onto the exterior surface of the respective panel of the mailer body closing the opening and sealing the cavity by closing the opening.

[0114] Adhering the closure flap to an exterior surface of a respective panel of the mailer body by pressing a first adhesive on the closure flap onto the exterior surface of the respective panel of the mailer body further includes pressing the first adhesive on the closure flap onto a second adhesive on the exterior surface of the respective panel.

[0115] The first adhesive and the second adhesive are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other.

[0116] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 687,693, filed on August 27, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0117] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0118] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the abovedetailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mailer package, comprising: a mailer body including: a first panel having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface opposite to the first interior surface; a second panel having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface opposite to the second interior surface; a cavity between the first panel and the second panel; and an opening that provides access to the cavity; a closure flap coupled to the second panel, the closure flap including: a fold including a first side and second side; a first portion on the first side of the fold, the first portion is coupled to the second panel; and a second portion on the second side of the fold, the second portion includes a closure end configured to, in operation, be coupled to the first exterior surface of the first panel; and a first closure adhesive on the second portion of the closure flap, the first closure adhesive is configured to, in operation, seal the second portion of the closure flap to the first exterior surface of the first panel.

2. The mailer package of claim 1, wherein: the mailer body further includes: a plurality of first flutes that extend along the first interior surface; and a plurality of second flutes that extend along the second interior surface.

3. The mailer package of claim 2, wherein the first panel and the second panel are made of a first continuous material, and the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes are made of a second continuous material.

4. The mailer package of claim 3, wherein the first continuous material and the second continuous material are recyclable.

5. The mailer package of claim 1, wherein the second panel and the closure flap are made of a single continuous material.

6. The mailer package of claim 1, wherein the second panel and the closure flap are made of separate pieces of material.

7. The mailer package of claim 6, wherein the closure flap is coupled to the second interior surface of the second panel by an adhesive.

8. The mailer package of claim 1, wherein the first closure adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive configured to, in operation, be pressed against the first exterior surface of the first panel to close off the opening of the mailer body and seal the cavity of the mailer body.

9. The mailer package of claim 1, further comprising a second closure adhesive on the exterior surface of the first panel, and wherein the first closure adhesive and the second closure adhesive are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other.

10. The mailer package of claim 1, further comprising: a return adhesive liner layer on the closure flap; and a return adhesive between the return adhesive liner layer and a respective surface of the closure flap, wherein the return adhesive liner layer is configured to, in operation, be removed to expose the return adhesive.

11. A mailer package, comprising: a mailer body including: a first panel having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface opposite to the first interior surface; a second panel having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface opposite to the second panel; a plurality of first flutes extend along the first interior surface; a plurality of second flutes extend along the second interior surface; a cavity between the first panel and the second panel and between the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes; andan opening that provides access to the cavity; a closure flap coupled to the second panel, the closure flap being made of a separate piece of material from the second panel, the closure flap is adhered to the second panel, the closure flap including: a fold including a first side and a second side; a first portion on the first side of the fold, the first portion is coupled to the second panel by an adhesive, and the first portion of the closure flap covers respective ends of the plurality of second flutes; and a second portion on the second side of the fold, the second portion includes a closure end configured to, in operation, be coupled to the first exterior surface of the first panel; and a first closure adhesive on the second portion of the closure flap, the first closure adhesive is configured to, in operation, seal the second portion of the closure flap to the first exterior surface of the first panel.

12. The mailer package of claim 11, wherein: the first panel and the second panel are made of a first continuous material; and the plurality of first flutes and the plurality of second flutes are made of a second continuous material.

13. The mailer package of claim 12, wherein the first continuous material and the second continuous material are the same material.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the first closure adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive configured to, in operation, be pressed against the first exterior surface of the first panel to close off the opening of the mailer body and seal the cavity of the mailer body.

15. The mailer package of claim 11, further comprising a second closure adhesive on the exterior surface of the first panel, and wherein the first closure adhesive and the second closure adhesive are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other16. The mailer package of claim 11, further comprising: a return adhesive liner layer on the closure flap; anda return adhesive between the return adhesive liner layer and a respective surface of the closure flap, wherein the return adhesive liner layer is configured to, in operation, be removed to expose the return adhesive17. The mailer package of claim 11, further comprising a tear strip along the closure flap, the tear strip is between the closure end of the second portion and a location at which the first portion is coupled to the second panel, and the tear strip is configured to, in operation, be torn to access the opening and the cavity of the mailer body when the closure flap has been sealed to the first exterior surface of the first panel.

18. A method, comprising: inserting a product into a cavity of a mailer body through an opening of the mailer body that provides access to the cavity of the mailer body; unfolding a fold of a closure flap; and adhering the closure flap to an exterior surface of a respective panel of the mailer body by pressing a first adhesive on the closure flap onto the exterior surface of the respective panel of the mailer body closing the opening and sealing the cavity by closing the opening.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein adhering the closure flap to an exterior surface of a respective panel of the mailer body by pressing a first adhesive on the closure flap onto the exterior surface of the respective panel of the mailer body further includes pressing the first adhesive on the closure flap onto a second adhesive on the exterior surface of the respective panel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive are configured to, in operation, only adhere to each other.

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