Patent ID: 6453651
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: B43M

Abstract:
An apparatus for holding open an envelope to facilitate insertion of a sheet therewithin, said apparatus forming a part of a machine for inserting sheets into envelopes, comprising:a support plate for supporting an envelope during a sheet insertion process; a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in said support plate; said plurality of vacuum dishes being in open fluid communication with a source of negative air pressure; a manifold means for delivering air under negative pressure from said source to each vacuum dish of said plurality of vacuum dishes; an address side of said envelope overlying said support surface during said sheet insertion process; at least a part of said address side of said envelope being pulled downwardly into each vacuum dish of said plurality of vacuum dishes when a negative pressure is applied to said plurality of vacuum dishes; said plurality of vacuum dishes including a first vacuum dish positioned near a leading end of an envelope positioned at a sheet insertion stations said leading end of said envelope being held by a clamp; said plurality of vacuum dishes including a second plurality of vacuum dishes that are spaced apart from said first vacuum dish; said support plate having two individually formed parts, a second part being slideably mounted with respect to a stationary first part, said first vacuum dish formed in said stationary first part and said second plurality of vacuum dishes formed in said slideably mounted second part; whereby a space between said address side of said envelope and an opposing side thereof is widened when said part of said address side is pulled downwardly, thereby facilitating insertion of a sheet into said envelope; and