Method of removing a flat article from a holder

A method of removing a flat article from the exit opening of a holder, comprising:

• providing a holder comprising a pair of flat, rigid, spaced apart side walls, each comprising a flexible surface element in the form of a flexible belt wrapped around each side wall in a lengthwise direction of the holder with each belt in sliding contact with inner and outer surfaces of one side wall, such that the flat article is disposed in contact with the flexible belts on opposite sides, and the belts are joined together by a web into a single H-belt, and the flat article is disposed between the web and the exit opening;
• moving the flat article and the flexible surface elements relative to the side walls and in the same direction at the same velocity such that there is no relative movement between the flexible surface elements and the flat article;
• and
• driving the H-belt far enough to urge the flat article from the exit opening of the holder;
• and
• pulling the flexible moveable surface elements around edges of the side walls adjacent the exit opening of the holder such the flexible surface elements change direction, pulling away from the flat article, wherein the surface elements move relative to the side walls, the surface elements carrying the flat article through the holder and ejecting it from the exit opening.