Patent ID: 6098374
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: B43M

Abstract:
An envelope opening apparatus for opening an envelope having rear and front panels and a flap hinged to the front panel comprising:locating means for locating an envelope in a waiting position with the envelope flap in an open position in substantially the same plane as the envelope front panel, anddepression means operable for forming a depression in the envelope flap, so as to cause the rear panel of the envelope to separate from the envelope front panel wherein the depression means includes at least one elongated arm having an offset flange wherein the elongated arm is configured to have two parallel surfaces with an intermediate surface connecting the two parallel surfaces and being substantially perpendicular to the two parallel surfaces located on one side of the elongated arm, the elongated arm being pivotally mounted above the locating means and the offset flange being movable towards the locating means to form said step-like deformation in the flap of the envelope located in the locating means.