An Improved Device for Cutting the Edges of Sealed Envelopes and other Articles.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Sept., 1888
Specification Accepted, 12th Oct.. 1888
An Improved Device for Cutting the Edges of Sealed Envelopes and
other Articles.
I, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Frank Armstrong, of 110 William Street,
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States of America, Manufacturer, and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
The said Invention relates to a device for cutting the edge of sealed envelopes to
facilitate the withdrawal of letters and for other like purposes.
In the accompanying drawings making a part of this specification;
Figure 1 is a front elevation; Figure 2 a rear elevation; Figure 3 an end
elevation Figure 4 a cross section on line aa figure 2, and Figure 5 a bottom
plan view.
Like letters refer to corresponding parts in each of the figures.
The base A is provided with a fixed gauge B formed on or secured to said base.
A horizontal cutter C is secured to the front of base A. This cutter is preferably
made adjustable horizontally, which is done by means of screws D which pass
through apertures E formed in said base and into said cutter; the said cutter may
be secured and made adjustable in any other suitable manner. A slot F is formed
on base A whose back portion is provided with upright posts or bars G which are
formed with or firmly fixed in the base. These posts as shown are secured in lugs H
formed on the under side of the base.
A frame is provided with two sleeves J by which said frame is mounted on
posts G. These sleeves are made to slip over posts G and to fit the same so as to
avoid any unsteadiness or sidewise motion of frame I which is made vertically moveable
on said posts. A knife K is rigidly secured to frame I by screws L or other suitable
means. This knife is pointed at its centre and inclines upward in both directions.
This form of a knife is preferable to a straight knife as it makes a cleaner cut.
A knob M is formed on frame I for operating knife K which, when forced down,
passes between cutter C and gauge B into slot F formed in the base.

page_text: The position of frame I as shown is maintained by a spiral spring N acting against
said frame and base. The spring is held in position by a screw bolt O or other
suitable means.
The bolt as shown passes through and works in an aperture P formed
in base A and screws into a threaded die formed in frame I. This bolt prevents
frame I slipping off posts G or rising to a higher position on said posts. A similar
result might be obtained by placing springs around posts G between the base and
frame I but to dispense with bolt it would be necessary to limit the rise of said
frame by nuts screwed on top of posts G or by other suitable means. A rubber washer Q
is preferably used around cach post G to lessen the shock and noise which would
result from forcing frame I down upon the base, and rubber cushions or supports R
fixed in the base may be used for the same purpose.
The envelope or other article to be cut is placed under knife K, the edge coming
in contact with gauge B while frame I is in the position shown. A blow is then
struck with the hand upon knob M which forces frame I and with it bolt O to its
lowest position compressing spring N and cutting a narrow strip from the end or side
of the envelope. The hand being removed spring O forces frame I back to its normal
or highest position.
The parts of the device are preferably constructed of cast iron, the cutter of steel,
the
springs and screws of any suitable metal.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed i declare that what
I claim is
First. The combination of the cutter C, the knife K and the fixed gauge B for the
purpose and substantially as set forth.
Second. The combination of a base A provided with posts G with a frame I,
provided with sleeves J for the purpose and substantially as set forth.
Third. The combination of the frame I provided with a knife K with a bolt O
operated by a spring N for the purpose and substantially as set forth.
Fourth. The combination of base A provided with a gauge B, cutter C, slot F and
posts G, the frame I provided with sleeves J, knife K and the spring N and bolt O for
the purpose and substantially as set forth.
Dated the 4th day of September 1888.
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.