Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A container (24) for holding a stack of envelopes (122) includes pusher means (146) for pushing envelopes from a receiving zone (A) into a storage zone (B) past resiliently mounted flaps (132). The stack is supported on a support member (130) which is slidably and resiliently mounted in the container (24). A shaft (184) to which gear means (186, 188) are secured is rotatably mounted on the support member (130), the gear means (186,188) engaging with fixed rack means (180). A ratchet wheel (194) engageable by a pawl (200) is freely mounted on the shaft (184) which passes through a torsion spring the ends of which are respectively attached to the shaft (184) and the ratchet wheel (194). When the support member (130) is moved away from the flaps (132) torsion is built up in the spring since rotation of the ratchet wheel (194) is prevented, this torsion serving to urge the support member (130) back towards the flaps (132). The support member (130) is removable from the container (24) together with the stack.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim