[001] The present invention relates to a reusable and returnable mailing bag.

[002] On-line shopping is a behavioural trend that continues to grow, and by 2021 25% all of retail in the UK is predicted to be online. To maintain a competitive edge in this sector, it is important for retailers to offer the widest selection of their product range available for on-line ordering, and in turn, utilise delivery packaging that is fit for purpose, commercially viable, and evermore environmentally responsible.

[003] A potential issue with existing online delivery / collection packaging is that it is typically designed to be single use, and in particular mailing and courier bags. Whilst these may incorporate a re-sealable feature for returning unwanted items, the design and specification of these carriers has no real consideration for significant reuse. In addition, through the nature of their unpacking, it is common practice for these bags to be damaged beyond reuse upon opening, and therefore discarded and disposed of post item removal.

[004] A way of creating a returnable and reusable alternative to single trip mailing bags has been sought, intended for return both with unwanted items, or empty for (the retailer to) reuse.

[005] According to the invention there is provided a reusable flexible container forming a cavity having an opening with a reusable closure with a tamper-evident seal wherein the container has a first configuration for receiving goods for transit to or from a customer and a second compact configuration for the customer to return the container wherein the container has one or more retention features to secure the container in the second configuration.

[006] Advantages of the invention include the following:

• Provides the retailer with a forward-thinking solution that is designed to be re-used again and again;

• Reduces the reliance on single trip, plastic film packaging products commonly used for online deliveries;

• Offers significantly enhanced brand promotion opportunity for retailers, with enhanced environmental credentials; and

• Enhances customer loyalty with brands, particularly if bag return is incentivised.

[007] Further advantages include that by having a reusable closure, the flexible container may be returned and reused. [008] In some embodiments, the reusable closure may be in the form of a zip closure (e.g. a toothed plastic or metal zip or a non-toothed plastic zip), a press stud closure, a hook and loop closure (such as Velcro (RTM)), or a reusable gum closure. In some embodiments, the zip closure may comprise two sliders or a single slider with a loop provided at a top end of the zip closure for securing the slider in its closed position. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident seal may be a tag for securing the zip closure in a closed position. In some embodiments, a two slider zip closure may be a two-way zipper incorporating a 'twin-pull' zip with integral security feature. In some embodiments, the tamper evident seal may be in the form of a plastic tag fastening to be located through the two sliders or through a single slider and loop (once aligned). In some embodiments, the tamper evident seal may be in the form of a zip closure tamper evident seal such as tape for placement of the zip closure. Evidence of such a tag or tape being broken would be indicative of the seal having been tampered with. In some embodiments, the flexible container may comprise two or more tamper evident seals such as a slider tamper evident seal (e.g. a dual slider tamper evident seal or a single slider tamper evident seal) and one or more zip closure tamper evident seals. In some embodiments, the container and the slider of a zip closure may each have a security tag wherein the tamper-evident seal secures the security tags together.

[009] In some embodiments, the container may have a flap to protect the reusable closure. In some embodiments, the container may have front and rear walls where the rear wall may form the flap, e.g. such as the rear wall having a length such that the rear wall extends beyond the length of the front wall. In some embodiments, the flap may have one or more retention features for securing it. When fastened, this flap covers and protects the pre-described zipper feature (and, in turn the reusable closure), along with the additional security tag. Alternatively, this flap feature might be created by an additional piece of material which is adhered to the upper portion of the flexible container.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more retention features may comprise a retention strap, one or more press studs, and/or a hook and loop fastening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the flap may incorporate a pouch, e.g. in the form of a clear, integral document pocket. Advantages of this feature include that it allows a retailer and/or an end user to insert appropriate delivery and return labels into the flexible container, enhancing the container's reuse credentials, and eliminating the requirement to otherwise remove adhesive labels for reuse.

[0012] A key feature of the invention is its portability to assist in the ease and convenience of return for the customer. According to the invention, this functionality may be achieved by transforming the container from its first configuration to its second configuration, e.g. by folding the flexible container across its full width, with a minimum of 1 fold, but depending on the size and proportion of the bag, optionally by two or more folds, to create a flexible container with a folded footprint which is significantly less than the 'natural' footprint of the flexible container (when in its delivery format). This transformation enhances the portability of the flexible container, making it easier and more convenient for the end user to return (when empty). Alternatively, the flexible container may be rolled to transform it from its first to its second configuration, optionally across its full width, into a smaller size (as opposed to folded). Alternatively, the flexible container may be returned in its first configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the flexible container may be secured in its second configuration (or its reduced size format) for return by integral retention features. In some embodiments, these retention features may include a minimum of one press-stud fastening, located on the rear wall of the flexible container, and aligned such that once the container is transformed into its second configuration (or 'empty return format'). In some embodiments, such a retention feature may locate against the a fastening(s) incorporated into the flexible container's flap.

[0014] In some embodiments, the flexible container might be secured in its second configuration or reduced size format return by a retention strap which may be in the form of a wrap-around tag, adhered to the flap and designed such that it locates around the flexible container, once rolled. In some embodiments, the retention strap may be securable to itself through the inclusion of a further retention feature which may be in the form of a press-stud and/or a hook and loop fastening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the container may include hook and loop fastenings for securing it in its second configuration, which additionally may be used to secure the flap in position in the flexible container's primary function as a delivery container.

[0016] The pre-described transformation of the container from its first configuration into its second configuration having a more portable return format does not impact on the width of the flexible container, i.e. this remains the same across the flexible container's multi-use platforms. In some embodiments, the container may incorporate a further fold to reduce the width of the container in its second configuration once the flexible container has been transformed into its secured 'empty return format'. In some embodiments, the additional fold may be perpendicular to the longest edge of the flexile container and may lie equidistant from each shortest edge. Use of such a fold in the second configuration would halve the size of the 'return format', enhancing its portability even further. In some embodiments, the container may include further retention means for securing the container in such a position, e.g. a localised press-stud arrangement, or hook and loop fastening.

[0017] In some embodiments, the container may include a handle for carrying the flexible container from collection point to destination. A growing trend in on-line retail is the principle of 'Click & Collect', whereby items are ordered and sent to a collection hub (store, locker etc.). To facilitate this functionality, the container may incorporate at least a single handle, which may be attached by a minimum of one localising fixing, to an upper section of the back face of the flexible container. This might be created by single strip of material, which, when laid flat, sits directly onto the exterior surface of the back face of the flexible container. Through the flexible nature of the material used in the construction of the flexible container, the pre-described surfaces of the handle and rear bag face of the container separate in use, creating an aperture for the handle to be grabbed. This particular design has the advantage of minimising the risk of external components being caught (and possibly damaged) in the delivery and supply chain process.

[0018] In some embodiments, the container may comprise a front wall, adjoining rear wall, a base, and a cavity having an opening at the end opposing the base, whereby the front and rear walls have substantially equal lengths. In some embodiments, a container having front and rear walls have substantially equal lengths may have a pair of handles. Such a pair of handles may represent more 'traditional' shopping bag 'loop style' handles which protrude beyond the perimeter of the flexible container when engaged.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flexible container may be formed from a substrate which comprises multiple types of material including; woven polypropylene, non-woven polypropylene, rPET, Tyvek, PVC 'oxford' cloth, cotton, jute, juco, cotton reinforced paper.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sleeve may be suitable for packaging multiple types of consumer goods, including but not limited to; Clothing, Sportswear, Footwear, Fashion accessories, Electronic goods, Toys & games, home furnishings.

[0021] In some embodiments, the flexible container might be flat, whereby fill capacity is created by the flexibility of front and back walls.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flexible container may have a unique code such as a barcode, QR code, and/or RFID tag. Advantages of the flexible container having a unique code include that it allows the container to be identified and so used as collateral in a deposit scheme where a user is refunded a small amount of money when the container is returned.

[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible container may have a gusset, e.g. at its base, to enhance the fill capacity via the expansion of the gusseted base.

[0024] The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a front face of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in a first configuration;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a rear face of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in in a first configuration;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a detail of the image of Figure 2 with a resuable closure with the tamper evident seal;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the front face of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in an intermediate folded configuration in a first stage of its transformation into its second configuration;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the front face of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in an intermediate folded configuration in a second stage of its transformation into its second configuration;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the front face of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in its second configuration;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the rear face of the first embodiment of the container according to the invention in second configuration;

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the rear face of a second embodiment of the container according to the invention in its first configuration;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the second embodiment of the container according to the invention in its rolled second configuration;

Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the front face of a third embodiment of the container according to the invention in an intermediate configuration in a third stage of its transformation into its second configuration;

Figure 11 shows an isometric view of the front face of a third embodiment of the container according to the invention in its second configuration;

Figure 12 shows an isometric view of a front face of a fourth embodiment of the container according to the invention in its first configuration; and

Figure 13 shows an isometric view of a back face of the fourth embodiment of the container according to the invention in its first configuration;

Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a front face of a fifth embodiment of the container according to the invention in its first configuration; Figure 15 shows an isometric view of a front face of a sixth embodiment of the container according to the invention in its first configuration; and

Figure 16 shows an isometric view of a front face of a seventh embodiment of the container according to the invention in its first configuration.

[0025] A returnable flexible container according to the first embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 101 on Figures 1 to 7. Container 101 is formed from an elongate rectangular piece of material which is folded in half across a fold line which is perpendicular to its longer sides. The edges of container 101 are secured by seam 105. Flap 160 is separated from the rest of container 101 by a further seam 175. Container 101 has a front wall 110 and a rear wall 120, edges 130 and 140, enclosed base 150 and a flap 160 opposite base 150. Container 101 also has a pouch 164 for receiving transit documentation and a carry handle 116 for a 'click & collect' customer to use for carrying the container 101 home. In an alternative embodiment, container 101 may be formed from an elongate rectangular piece of material which is folded across a fold line which is perpendicular to its longer sides such that it forms a front wall 110 which is shorter than a rear wall 120 such that flap 160 is formed.

[0026] Container 101 forms a cavity which has an opening 170 on the front wall 110 with a reusable closure 172. Container 101 has a flap 160. Container 101 has retention features 112,122,162 in the form of press studs for securing the flap 160 and for securing the container 101 in its second configuration.

[0027] Reusable closure 172 is in the form of a zip having two sliders which each form security rings which overlap to form a slider security ring 174 for receiving tamper-evident seal 180 in the form of a security tag. Tamper evident seal 180 is a dual slider tamper evident seal. In an alternative embodiment, reusable closure 172 may be in the form of a hook and loop closure (such as Velcro (RTM)), or a reusable gum closure. In an alternative embodiment, tamper-evident seal 180 may be formed from paper, rubber, plastic, and/or metal (e.g. steel or aluminium) wire.

[0028] In a first step to transform the container 101 from its first configuration to its second configuration, container 101 is folded along pre-determined fold line 152 as shown in Figures 2 and 4. In a second step, container 101 is folded along pre-determined fold line 154 as shown in Figure 5. In a third step, flap 160 is secured by its retention features 162 to the retention features 122 provided on the rear side of container 101 such that pouch 164 is visible on the front side and carry handle 116 is available for use on the rear side of container 101.

[0029] A returnable flexible container according to the second embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 201 on Figures 8 and 9. Like features to the flexible container 101 of the first embodiment of the invention are referred to by like reference numerals except that the prefix numeral "1" is replaced by numeral "2".

[0030] Container 201 has a retention strap 268 attached to its rear side by retention features. To transform container 201 from its first configuration to its second configuration, the container 201 is rolled up and secured in its rolled-up second configuration by securing retention strap 268 around container 201 such that document pouch 264 is visible.

[0031] A returnable flexible container according to the third embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 301 on Figures 10 and 11. Like features to the flexible container 101 of the first embodiment of the invention are referred to by like reference numerals except that the prefix numeral "1" is replaced by numeral "3".

[0032] Container 301 has an additional fold line 390 arranged to be perpendicular to fold lines 152,154. To transform the container 301 from its first configuration to its second configuration, steps one to three of the first embodiment are followed and then in a fourth step container 301 is folded along pre-determined fold line 390 to form its second configuration having a reduced size return format, secured in this size with retention features 392 of flap 360. Additional perpendicular fold line 390 and further retention features 392 are designed to create an optimum sized returns pack, whilst maintaining the visibility of pouch 364.

[0033] A returnable flexible container according to the fourth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 401 on Figures 12 and 13. Like features to the flexible container 101 of the first embodiment of the invention are referred to by like reference numerals except that the prefix numeral "1" is replaced by numeral "4".

[0034] Container 401 is formed from an elongate rectangular piece of material which is folded in half across a fold line which is perpendicular to its longer sides. The edges of container 401 are secured by a seam. Container 401 has a front wall 410, a rear wall 420, edges 430 and 440, and an enclosed base 450. Container 401 forms a cavity which has an opening 470 on an edge opposite to base 450. Opening 470 has a reusable closure 472. Container 401 has retention features 412,422 for securing the container 401 in its second configuration. Container 401 has a pair of handles attached to each wall 410,420 at a position proximal to opening 470 such that container 401 is in the form of a carrier bag with a zipper closure 472. Container 401 may be transformed from its first configuration into its second configuration in a manner similar to the first embodiment of the container 101 according to the invention.

[0035] A returnable flexible container according to the fifth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 501 on Figure 14. Like features to the flexible containers 101,201,301,401 of the first to fourth embodiments of the invention are referred to by like reference numerals except that the prefix numeral is replaced by numeral "5".

[0036] Container 501 is formed from an elongate rectangular piece of material which is folded in half across a fold line which is perpendicular to its longer sides. The edges 530 of container 501 are secured by a seam. Container 501 has a front wall 510, a rear wall 520, edges 530 and 540, and an enclosed base 550. Container 501 has a pouch 514 for receiving transit documentation provided on front wall 510. Container 501 forms a cavity which has an opening 570 on an edge opposite to base 550. Opening 570 has a reusable closure 572 in the form of a zip which has a single slider 573. Slider 573 has a slider loop 576. Container 501 has retention features 512,522 for securing the container 501 in its second configuration. Container 501 has a pair of handles 516 each attached to each wall 510,520 at a position proximal to opening 570 such that container 501 is in the form of a carrier bag with a zipper closure 572. Container 501 may be transformed from its first configuration into its second configuration in a manner similar to the first embodiment of the container 101 according to the invention.

[0037] Container 501 has a unique code 513 in the form of a barcode marked on its front wall 510 to allow identification of the container 501. Identification of the container 501 is useful as it allows the container 501 to be used as collateral in a deposit scheme where a user is refunded a small amount of money when the container 501 is returned. In an alternative embodiment, unique code 513 may be a QR code. In an alternative embodiment, unique code 513 may be in the form of a RFID tag which is incorporated into a wall 510,520 of the container 501.

[0038] At an end of seam 530 proximal to opening 570, a fabric loop 567 is provided. Fabric loop 567 supports a container loop 566. Container loop 566 is provided at a top end of the zip closure 572 for securing the slider 573 in its closed position by the attachment of slider loop 576 to container loop 566 by a tamper-evident seal 580 which forms a single slider tamper evident seal 580. Tamper-evident seal 580 is in the form of a plastic loop. In an alternative embodiment, tamper-evident seal 580 may be a loop formed from wax and string, paper, rubber, plastic, and/or metal (e.g. steel or aluminium) wire. In an alternative embodiment, container loop 566 may be integrated into the front and/or rear walls 510,520 such that the front and/or rear walls 510,520 form an eyelet, optionally supported by a metal or plastic ringlet.

[0039] A returnable flexible container according to the sixth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 601 on Figure 15. Like features to the flexible containers 101,201,301,401,501 of the first to fifth embodiments of the invention are referred to by like reference numerals except that the prefix numeral is replaced by numeral "6". [0040] Container 601 is formed from an elongate rectangular piece of material which is folded in half across a fold line which is perpendicular to its longer sides. The edges 630 of container 601 are secured by a seam. Container 601 has a front wall 610, a rear wall 620, edges 630 and 640, and an enclosed base 650. Container 601 has a pouch 614 for receiving transit documentation provided on front wall 610. Container 601 forms a cavity which has an opening 670 on an edge opposite to base 650. Opening 670 has a reusable closure 672 in the form of a zip which has a single slider 673. Slider 673 has a slider loop 676. Container 601 has retention features 612,622 for securing the container 601 in its second configuration. Container 601 has a pair of handles 616 each attached to each wall 610,620 at a position proximal to opening 670 such that container 601 is in the form of a carrier bag with a zipper closure 672. Container 601 may be transformed from its first configuration into its second configuration in a manner similar to the first embodiment of the container 601 according to the invention.

[0041] When the slider 673 is at a top end of the zip closure 672 such that the zip closure 672 is closed, the slider 673 is secured in its closed position by tamper-evident seal 680 which is placed on zip closure 672 to form a zip closure tamper evident seal to prevent slider 673 from being moved. Thus tamper-evident seal 680 is arranged on a handle 616 side of slider 673. Tamper-evident seal 680 is in the form of security tape which is secured to the front and rear walls 610,620 e.g. by gluing. In an alternative embodiment, a label may be used instead of the security tape for tamper-evident seal 680. In an alternative embodiment, tamper-evident seal 680 may be formed from paper, rubber, and/or plastic.

[0042] A returnable flexible container according to the seventh embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 701 on Figure 16. Like features to the flexible containers 101,201,301,401,501,601 of the first to sixth embodiments of the invention are referred to by like reference numerals except that the prefix numeral is replaced by numeral "7".

[0043] Container 701 is formed from an elongate rectangular piece of material which is folded in half across a fold line which is perpendicular to its longer sides. The edges 730 of container 701 are secured by a seam. Container 701 has a front wall 710, a rear wall 720, edges 730 and 740, and an enclosed base 750. Container 701 has a pouch 714 for receiving transit documentation provided on front wall 710. Container 701 forms a cavity which has an opening 770 on an edge opposite to base 550. Opening 770 has a reusable closure 772 in the form of a zip which has a single slider 773. Slider 573 has a slider handle 777 on which slider security tag 791 is mounted. Slider security tag 791 comprises a security tag line 793 which is connected to the slider handle 777 and a security tag ball 795. Security tag line 793 may be formed from string or wire. Container 701 has retention features 712,722 for securing the container 701 in its second configuration. Container 701 has a pair of handles 716 each attached to each wall 710,720 at a position proximal to opening 770 such that container 701 is in the form of a carrier bag with a zipper closure 772. Container 701 may be transformed from its first configuration into its second configuration in a manner similar to the first embodiment of the container 101 according to the invention.

[0044] At an end of seam 730 proximal to opening 570, a container security tag 792 is sewn into seam 730. Container security tag 792 comprises a security tag line 793 which is connected to the seam 730 and a security tag ball 795. Slider 573 may be secured in its closed position by the attachment of slider security tag 791 to container security tag 792 by looping a tamper-evident seal 780 around their respective security tag lines 793. The security tag balls 795 of the slider security tag 791 and the container security tag 792 each have a shaped which is greater than the loop formed by the tamper- evident seal 780 such the tamper-evident seal 780 may not be removed without breaking the seal. Tamper-evident seal 780 is in the form of a plastic loop. In an alternative embodiment, tamper-evident seal 580 may be a loop formed from wax and string, paper, rubber, plastic, and/or metal (e.g. steel or aluminium) wire. In an alternative embodiment, the security tag ball 795 may have a cuboid, polygonal or irregular shape. In a further alternative embodiment, the container security tag 792 and/or the slider security tag 791 may be provided as an integrated security tag having a body 793 and a head 795 where the head 795 of the integrated security tag is larger than the body 793 such that a tamper- evident seal loop 780 cannot be slipped over the head 795.