Containers, along with reusable labeling constructions for use therewith

Abstract

Containers, and label panels for use with them, are described for receiving shipping parcel. One container embodiment incorporates a closable body having an interior and a mouth communicating with the interior. A label substrate is supported by the container body and includes return address indicia. A transparent layer overlays the return address indicia so that it may be seen there through. The transparent layer includes an exposed surface portion formed of a release material for removeably receiving a shipping label. A label panel for use with a container includes a substrate securable to the container's body which is provided with the return address indicia, and a transparent film adhered to the label substrate for receiving the shipping label.

1 . A container adapted to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient, comprising: 
 a. a closable container body having an interior and a mouth communicating with the interior;    b. a label substrate supported by said container body, said label substrate including return address indicia corresponding to a return address for the container; and    c. a transparent layer overlaying said return address indicia so that the return address indicia may be seen there through, said transparent layer including an exposed surface portion formed of a release material so that a removable shipping label may be releasably affixed thereto.    
   
   
       2 . A container according to  claim 1  including a closure movable between an open position such that the parcel may be inserted into and removed from the interior and a closed position to retain the parcel in the interior as a received parcel.  
   
   
       3 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said container body is formed as a flexible pouch having a perimeter, said pouch including first and second body panels joined about a majority of the perimeter to define a sealed edge, with an enjoined portion defining the mouth.  
   
   
       4 . A container according to  claim 3  wherein said label substrate is sewn to one of said first and second body panels.  
   
   
       5 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein said transparent layer is a clear film adhered to said label substrate.  
   
   
       6 . A container according to  claim 5  wherein said label substrate is a stiff rectangular placard.  
   
   
       7 . A container according to  claim 6  wherein said placard is provided with printed indicia selected from a group consisting of: pre-paid postage information, postage charging information, inventory tracking information, and said return address indicia.  
   
   
       8 . A container adapted to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient, comprising: 
 a. a container body having an interior and a mouth communicating with the interior, said container body including 
 i. an outer surface portion provided with return address indicia corresponding to a return address for the container; and  
 ii. a transparent layer overlaying said return address indicia so that the return address indicia may be seen there through, said transparent layer including an exposed surface portion formed of a release material so that a removable shipping label may be releasably adhered to said transparent layer during shipment, yet forcefully removed there from without tearing the shipping label.  
   
   
   
       9 . A container according to  claim 8  including a closure movable between an open position such that the parcel may be inserted into and removed from the interior and a closed position to retain the parcel in the interior as a received parcel.  
   
   
       10 . A container according to  claim 8  wherein said container body is formed as a flexible pouch having a perimeter, said pouch including first and second body panels joined about a majority of the perimeter to define a sealed edge, with an enjoined portion defining the mouth.  
   
   
       11 . A container according to  claim 8  wherein said container body is a cardboard box having a plurality of joined panels, and wherein one of said panels forms said outer surface portion  
   
   
       12 . A container according to  claim 11  wherein said exposed surface portion is supported relative to one of said first and second body panels.  
   
   
       13 . A container according to  claim 12  wherein said exposed surface portion is disposed on a label substrate which is formed as a stiff rectangular placard.  
   
   
       14 . A container according to any of claims  13  wherein said transparent layer is a clear film adhered to said label substrate.  
   
   
       15 . A container according to  claim 13  wherein said placard is provided with printed indicia selected from a group consisting of: pre-paid postage information, postage charging information, inventory tracking information associated with the container, and said return address indicia.  
   
   
       16 . A label panel for use with a container that is adapted to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient, comprising: 
 a. a label substrate securable to a body of said container, said label substrate including return address indicia corresponding to a return address for the container; and    b. a transparent film adhered to said label substrate and overlaying the return address indicia, said transparent film having an exposed outer surface portion formed of a release material so that a removable shipping label may be releasably adhered to said outer surface portion during shipment, yet forcefully removed there from without tearing the shipping label.