Multi-functional bag/envelope

A multi-functional bag/envelope for carrying and/or mailing an item, said bag/envelope comprising:

• a front panel having a first weakened portion defined therein;
• a seal flap coupled with said front panel, said seal flap having a second weakened portion defined therein that is adapted to be aligned with said first weakened portion;
• a back panel coupled to said front panel,
• wherein said first and second weakened portions are capable of being broken to form a first punch flap that is hingedly coupled to said front panel and a second punch flap that is hingedly coupled to said seal flap to form a handle, and wherein said first punch flap is capable of being resealed to said front panel and said second punch flap is capable of being resealed to said seal flap to hold the item within the bag/envelope during mailing.

A combination bag/envelope used to carry and/or mail an item that is placed therein, said bag/envelope comprising:

• a front panel;
• a first punch flap;
• means for hingedly coupling said first punch flap with said front panel;
• a back panel coupled with said front panel;
• a seal flap coupled with said front panel;
• a second punch flap;
• means for hingedly coupling said second punch flap with said seal flap, said second punch flap at least partially aligned with said first punch flap so that the bag/envelope may be carried;
• and
• means for resealing said first and second punch flaps to said front panel and said seal flap so that the bag/envelope may be mailed.

A method for manufacturing a combination bag and envelope that is capable of being carried and/or mailed, said method comprising:

• providing a front panel;
• defining a first weakened portion in said front panel;
• providing a back panel coupled to said front panel to form a pouch with an opening;
• providing a seal flap coupled to said front panel to allow for the opening and closing of the opening;
• defining a second weakened portion in said seal flap;
• and
• wherein a handle assembly is selectively formed by breaking first and second weakened portions to form a first punch flap and a second punch flap, said first and second punch flaps being hingedly coupled to said front panel and said seal flap to permit a user to hold onto the bag/envelope during transport.