US3859955A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Envelope moistening device for a postage meter
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
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Filing: 1973-09-17
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Granted: 1975-01-14
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Expires: 1993-09-17
Abstract
Abstract A moistening device for separating and moistening the flap of an envelope passing through a postage metering system. The moistener apparatus comprises three integrally cooperating parts including a plastic molded flap separator having a uniformly contoured separating surface; a retainer which easily attached to, and disassemblies from, the flap separator; and a moistening pad which is received by the retainer, and is both easily insertable and easily removable therefrom. The retainer has a groove-like hinge extending substantially across its width at its point of attachment with the flap separator. This hinge flexibly biases the retainer and pad towards the envelope flap as it passes thereunder, thus providing positive contact between the flap and the wetting pad.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter T Labore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:20
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43M; B43M3/00; B43M5/00; B43M5/02; B43M5/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An envelope flap moistening device for use in a postage metering system, comprising: a plastic separating member having a contoured edge for parting the flap of the envelope from a body portion thereof, to allow said flap to pass into contact with a moistening pad; a retainer connected to said separating member for receiving an easily insertable moistening pad, said retainer having a groove-like hinge substantially extending across a width portion thereof adjacent said separating member, said hinge operatively biasing the retainer and said moistening pad towards an envelope flap passing in proximity thereto, so as to insure positive contact between said moistening pad and said envelope flap; and a moistening pad for insertion into said retainer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
An envelope flap moistening device for use in a postage metering system, comprising: a plastic separating member having a contoured edge for parting the flap of the envelope from a body portion thereof, to allow said flap to pass into contact with a moistening pad; a retainer connected to said separating member for receiving an easily insertable moistening pad, said retainer having a groove-like hinge substantially extending across a width portion thereof adjacent said separating member, said hinge operatively biasing the retainer and said moistening pad towards an envelope flap passing in proximity thereto, so as to insure positive contact between said moistening pad and said envelope flap; and a moistening pad for insertion into said retainer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The envelope flap moistening device of claim 1, wherein said retainer is composed of plastic material having a memory, whereby said groove-like hinge tends to return the retainer to its original position after said retAiner has been flexed about said hinge by said envelope flap.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The envelope flap moistening device of claim 1, wherein the separating member and said retainer in combination comprise means between themselves for rapidly connecting and disconnecting said retainer from the separating member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The envelope flap moistening device of claim 1, wherein said retainer comprises two tongue-like members which sandwich the moistening pad between themselves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The envelope flap moistening device of claim 4, wherein one of said tongue-like members contains a plurality of recessed spikes which are operable to spear the moistening pad and prevent the removal thereof from said retainer in a first direction, while allowing the pad to be easily removed from between the tongue-like members in a second direction transverse of said first direction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-13 | 1978-07-15 | 1979-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-13 | 1982-07-15 | 1983-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-13 | 1986-07-15 | 1987-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |