Device for dispensing paper envelopes

Abstract

A device for dispensing paper envelopes, consisting of: i) a rectangular base 101 with a U-shaped element 102 having a padded coating on an upper edge of the base 101 to allow a user to obtain a grip on the base 101, the base 101 being configured with a variety of drawer mechanisms 103 to allow adjustment of the dimensions of the base 101 according to the dimensions of the paper envelopes to be stored; ii) a pair of plates 104 with an L-shaped cross-section, which are attached to two sliding units 105 arranged on opposite sides of the base 101, each of the plates having a gripper 106 for gripping a plurality of paper envelopes between the plates 104; iii) a telescopic gripper 107 attached to the base 101 for sliding and holding an envelope between the plates 104; iv) an air blower unit 108 attached to the upper edge of the base 101 to blow air into the envelope in order to open it; (v) an L-shaped connecting member 109, which is connected to the base 101 by a ball joint 110, the connecting member 109 having at one end a nozzle 111 which is connected via a line 114 to a pump 112 in a tank 113, the tank 113 being provided on the base 101 for storing adhesive, the nozzle 111 being used for applying adhesive to the coating; and vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115, installed on the base 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images near the base 101 to determine an edge of the encapsulation in order to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the joint 109, the ball joint 110 and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the encapsulation with the nozzle 111.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper envelope dispensing device capable of providing a paper envelope dispensing means for blowing air into the paper envelopes to open them and allow a user access to insert some documents according to requirements. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Paper envelopes play a vital role in protecting important documents during transportation and storage. Furthermore, paper envelopes are environmentally friendly as they can be easily recycled after use. Furthermore, paper envelopes are cost-effective compared to other packaging options, making them a practical choice for businesses and individuals alike. Finally, the versatility of paper envelopes allows for customization through printing or labeling for branding purposes. In most cases, the user needs to manually remove the paper envelopes and blow air with their mouth to insert documents, and then apply some adhesive to the edge of the envelopes to properly store the document.

[0003] Traditionally, there have been a limited number of devices and appliances, such as tape dispensers and paper cutters, that help streamline the process of packing and shipping items. These tools save time and ensure that envelopes are securely sealed and the correct size for their contents. Furthermore, paper dispensers also reduce the risk of injury from sharp objects such as scissors, but again, skill is required in operating such devices, and unrolling the paper envelopes is time-consuming.

[0004] US5590609A discloses an envelope dispenser for use in an ATM with a lockable access door. The door has a slot integrated with its first surface. The door is locked by the engagement of a first member in a first notch portion of the slot. The door is unlocked by an actuator which, upon receipt of an electrical signal, moves the first member to a central portion of the slot. In this position, the door can be manually moved by a user to a fully open position. In the open position, the actuator urges the first member into a second detent portion, which releasably holds the door in the open position. In the open position, the envelopes stored in the machine can be accessed.From the open position, the door can be closed either manually or automatically by interrupting the electrical signal that enables a spring to move the first element into the central portion of the slot. Once the door has returned to the closed position and the actuating element is no longer energized, the first element returns to the first notch portion and re-locks the door. While US'609 relates generally to access doors and more specifically to an envelope dispenser used in an automated teller machine (ATM) having a lockable sliding door allowing selective access to the envelopes, it omits the application of adhesive to the edge of the paper envelope to secure the contents within the paper envelopes.

[0005] JPH10181291A discloses an invention in which letters are stacked upright for storage in a magazine. The letters stored in the magazine are then individually separated by a separating and feeding roller to be fed to a cutting position with a longer side thereof aligned in a parallel relationship relative to a transfer direction. Upper and lower knives, which can be driven for rotation, are placed at the cutting position so as to maintain a transfer path for the letters therebetween, and as the letter passes through this cutting position, the envelopes on both the front and back sides are cut at a substantially central position thereof along a line parallel to a transfer direction of the envelopes (parallel to a longer side of the envelopes) to form cut lines in the front and back sides thereof.The length of the cut line formed in the envelope is shorter than the longitudinal length of the sealed contents. While JP'291 offers the possibility of opening envelopes by forming a cut line across the envelope, allowing the letter to be removed, the device fails to remove the letters from the envelope automatically and without human intervention.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices and apparatuses are disclosed in the prior art that provide a way to dispense paper envelopes so that the user can insert a content, but to secure them, the user must manually apply glue to the edge of the envelopes to seal the envelopes, thus preventing the device from dispensing the letter in an automated manner.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of opening paper envelopes and allowing the user to put some contents without any application of physical efforts to secure the contents in the envelope with proper management. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop an apparatus capable of dispensing paper envelopes and opening the mouth portion of the paper envelopes in an automated manner, thereby eliminating human intervention in dispensing the envelopes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop an apparatus capable of detecting an edge of the paper envelope to apply glue to the edge of the paper envelope to secure the letter in the envelopes.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is inherently reliable.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a paper envelope dispensing device capable of supporting a paper envelope dispensing means for opening the mouth part of the paper envelopes by blowing air into the paper envelopes to allow the user to use the paper envelopes as needed, as well as securing the envelopes by applying the adhesive over the edges of the envelope.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a paper envelope dispensing device comprises a rectangular base with a U-shaped member having a padded coating on an upper edge of the base to enable a user to gain a grip on the base; a plurality of drawer mechanisms integrated into the base to allow adjustment of the dimensions of the base to the dimensions of the paper envelopes to be stored; a pair of L-shaped cross-section plates attached to two sliding units arranged on opposite sides of the base; each of the plates has a gripper for gripping a plurality of paper envelopes between the plates; a telescopic gripper attached to the base to slide and hold an envelope between the plates; an air blower unit attached to the upper edge of the base;to blow air into the envelope to open the envelope, an L-shaped connector with a nozzle connected to a pump in a tank at one end, which is connected to the base by a ball joint to apply glue to the envelope, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the base to determine an edge of the envelope, a microphone provided on the base to receive an audio command from the user regarding the application of glue to the envelope, a computing unit to operate the imaging unit to determine the edge of the envelope to actuate the joint, a computing unit to operate the imaging unit to determine the edge of the envelope, to actuate the joint, the ball joint, and the pump to apply glue to the edge of the envelope with the nozzle, a touch-enabled display panel provided on the base,to enable the user to make touch inputs regarding the application of adhesive to the envelope, and a battery connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of a device for dispensing paper envelopes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0019] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0020] The present invention relates to a paper envelope dispensing device capable of dispensing paper envelopes and a pin at the opening of the paper envelope to allow the user to put some important things into the paper envelopes as needed, as well as the device securing the envelopes in an automated manner by applying the adhesive to the edge of the envelopes.

[0021] Referring to Fig.1 is an isometric view of a paper envelope dispensing device comprising a rectangular base 101 with a U-shaped element 102, a plurality of drawer mechanisms 103 integrated into the base 101, a pair of plates 104 with an L-shaped cross-section attached to two sliding units 105 arranged on opposite sides of the base 101, each of the plates having a clipper 106, a telescopic gripper 107 attached to the base 101, an L-shaped member 109 connected to the base 101 by a ball joint 110, a nozzle 111 at the end of the member 109 connected to a pump 112 in the base 101, and an air blower unit 108 attached to the upper edge of the base 101, an L-shaped connector 109 connected to the base 101 by a ball joint 110, a nozzle 111 at one end of the connector 109, which is connected to a pump 112 in a tank 113 provided on the base 101,connected via a line 114, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115 installed on the base 101, a microphone 116 provided on the base 101, and a touch-capable display panel 117 provided on the base 101.

[0022] The proposed device consists of a rectangular base 101 with a padded coating on an upper edge of the base 101 to assist the user in gaining a grip on the base 101. The base 101 is equipped with several drawer mechanisms 103 that allow the dimensions of the base 101 to be adjusted to the dimensions of the paper envelopes to be stored. The drawer mechanism 103 is activated by a microcontroller connected to the device to enable the extension and retraction of the base 101 as needed. The drawer mechanism consists of a carriage assembly and a DC motor that work together to extend and retract the base 101.

[0023] The carriage assembly is equipped with two rails used to slide the block up and down. The block opening is located at the end of the rail and has two clips used to secure the ring to the base 101. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed open and the carriage assembly is pushed outward. This creates an opening that allows the mechanism 103 to extend and retract to assist in extending and retracting the base 101 according to the dimensions of the paper envelopes to be stored.

[0024] Furthermore, a pair of L-shaped cross-section plates 104 are attached to two slide units 105 mounted on opposite sides of the base 101, and each of the plates has a clipper 106 for gripping multiple paper envelopes between the plates 104. The slide unit 105 consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit typically includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks along which the slide unit moves. The carriage, also called a stage or platform, is equipped with a mechanism that minimizes friction and ensures smooth movement. Ball bearings are used for this purpose. The carriage unit 105 contains a motor and a drive mechanism for generating linear movement.

[0025] The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the motor's rotational motion into linear motion and drives the carriage along the rail unit to move the clipper 106 near the envelope. The clipper 106 then grips the paper envelopes between the plates 104. The clipper 106 is connected to a hinge that allows the reciprocating motion to grip the paper. The hinge is typically a mechanical joint that allows rotary motion about a fixed axis using a motor or actuator that applies the torque required to move the hinge. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction.

[0026] The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that allows rotation around a fixed axis. It typically consists of two parts: a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed component is fixedly connected to a portion of the arm, while the movable component is connected to the clipper 106 to enable reciprocating movement of the clipper 106 to grip the paper envelopes between the plates 104. Within this, a telescopic gripper 107 is attached to the base 101 to slide and hold an envelope between the plates 104. The gripper 107 is equipped with a pneumatic unit activated by the microcontroller to enable the extension and retraction of the gripper 107.

[0027] The pneumatic unit consists of an air compressor, an air cylinder, air valves, and a piston. The air valve allows compressed air to enter or exit the compressor. The valve then opens, allowing compressed air to enter the cylinder, increasing the cylinder's air pressure. The piston is connected to the cylinder, and due to the increase in air pressure, the piston extends, causing the gripper 107 to expand and grasp the envelope, thereby displacing and holding it between the plates 104.

[0028] Additionally, a blower unit 108 is attached to the upper edge of the base 101, which blows air into the envelope to open it. The blower unit consists of a fan coupled to a motor activated by the microcontroller to set the fan in a circular motion to generate air into the envelope to open it. Furthermore, an L-shaped connector 109 with a nozzle 111 at one end is connected to the base 101 via a ball joint 110, for applying adhesive to the envelope via a pump 112, which is connected to a tank 113 via a line 114 provided on the base 101.

[0029] The pump 112 consists of a moving part comprising an impeller, a vane, and an inlet that work together to pump the adhesive from the tank 113 over the envelope. The impeller is coupled to a motor activated by the microcontroller to rotate the impeller, causing the adhesive to rotate between the vanes to generate centrifugal acceleration. This acceleration helps the mixture leave the impeller by creating a negative pressure area to move the adhesive to the nozzle 111. The nozzle 111 consists of a magnetic plunger. When an electrical signal is transmitted to the nozzle 111, the plunger is attracted by an electromagnet to open the nozzle 111 and dispense the adhesive onto the envelope. In doing so, the ball joint 110 provides angular movement of the nozzle 111 so that the nozzle 111 begins applying the adhesive to the envelope.

[0030] Furthermore, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115 is installed on the base 101 to detect the edge of the shell. The imaging unit 115 consists of a camera and a processor that work together to detect the edge of the shell. An AI (artificial intelligence) protocol encrypted with the processor is connected to the image processing unit to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI ​​protocols are used to process and analyze the images captured by the camera, allowing it to perform various tasks beyond conventional image capture. The AI ​​analysis is performed locally on the camera itself, and real-time processing on the camera enables immediate reactions and faster decision-making.

[0031] The camera captures images near Base 101 using special lenses designed to capture high-quality images. The captured data is then preprocessed by the processor to improve its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, and color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques such as deep learning neural networks to extract meaningful information from the images.

[0032] The camera is capable of analyzing the environment of base 101 and providing real-time updates or alerts about the environment of base 101 based on predefined rules or criteria. The position of the edge of the enclosure is detected based on the extraction of data from the captured images. Based on this detection, the microcontroller actuates the connector 109, the ball joint 110, and the pump 112 accordingly to apply adhesive to the edge of the enclosure using the nozzle 111.

[0033] A microphone 116, connected to the microcontroller, is provided on the base 101 to receive an audio command from the user that controls the application of glue to the envelope. The microphone 116 receives sound waves generated in the form of vibrations by the energy emitted by the voice command. The sound waves are then transmitted to a membrane equipped with a coil.

[0034] As the waves are transmitted within the membrane, the membrane encounters the waves, causing the coil to move the membrane in a reciprocating motion in the presence of the magnetic field generated by the coil. The electrical signal generated by the reciprocating motion of the membrane is then emitted from the coil and transmitted to a microcontroller connected to the microphone 116 to process and analyze the signal to recognize the voice command given by the user. After processing the voice commands, the microcontroller actuates the connector 109, the ball joint 110, and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the sleeve using the nozzle 111.

[0035] Furthermore, a computing unit allows the user to remotely control the microcontroller to operate the imaging unit 115 to determine the edge of the shell, to operate the joint 109, the ball joint 110, and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the shell using the nozzle 111. The computing unit described here includes, among other things, a mobile phone and a laptop containing a processor that stores the inputs received from the user to process and retrieve the output data for display in the computing unit.

[0036] The microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module, which includes a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic units, establishing communication between the computing unit and the device to process the data entered by the user. After processing the input, the microcontroller actuates the imaging unit 115 to determine the edge of the casing and actuates the connecting link 109, the ball joint 110, and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the casing edge using the nozzle 111.

[0037] Furthermore, a touch-sensitive display panel 117 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101, which the user can access to provide touch input regarding the application of glue to the envelope. The display 117 consists of small wires that close the circuit when the user touches the display 117 to provide an input, which then changes the electrical charge at the point of touch and is registered as an input in the display 117. The input commands are then stored in a database of the microcontroller, which is connected to the display 117 to process the input. After processing the input provided by the user, the microcontroller actuates the imaging unit 115 to determine the crack in the wall corner and actuate the connector 109, the ball joint 110, and the pump 112 to apply glue to the edge of the envelope using the nozzle 111.

[0038] A battery (not shown in the diagram) is connected to the device to power all the electrical and electronic components necessary for its proper operation. The battery is connected to the microcontroller and supplies the microcontroller with direct current (DC). The microcontroller then sends this current to the specific electrical or electronic components, depending on the sequence of operations, so they can effectively perform their respective functions.

[0039] The present invention functions best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 comprises a U-shaped member 102 having a cushioned coating on an upper edge of the base 101 to enable a user to acquire a grip on the base 101, and a drawer mechanism 103 for enabling adjustment in the dimensions of the base 101 as per dimensions of paper envelopes to be stored. Further, the pair of plates 104 of L-shaped cross-section are attached to two sliding units 105 disposed on opposite sides of the base 101 and having a gripper 106 for gripping a plurality of paper envelopes between the plates 104. Also, the telescopic gripper 107 for sliding and holding an envelope between the plates 104.

[0040] In addition, the blower unit 108 blows air into the envelope, which assists in opening the envelope. Furthermore, the nozzle 111 is connected via a line 114 to a pump 112 in a tank 113. The tank 113 on the base 101 is provided for storing adhesive, and the nozzle 111 is provided for applying adhesive to the envelope. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115 determines an edge of the envelope to cause the microcontroller to actuate the connector 109, the ball joint 110, and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the envelope with the nozzle 111.In addition, the microphone 116 connected to the microcontroller receives an audio command from the user regarding the application of glue to the envelope to cause the microcontroller to actuate the imaging unit 115 to determine the edge of the envelope and to actuate the link 109, the ball joint 110 and the pump 112 to apply glue to the edge of the envelope with the nozzle 111.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5590609A

[0004] JPH10181291A

[0005]

Claims

[1] A device for dispensing paper envelopes, comprising: i) a rectangular base 101 having a U-shaped member 102 having a cushioned coating on an upper edge of the base 101 to enable a user to gain a grip on the base 101, the base 101 being configured with a plurality of drawer mechanisms 103 to enable adjustment of the dimensions of the base 101 according to the dimensions of the paper envelopes to be stored; ii) a pair of plates 104 of L-shaped cross-section fixed to two sliding units 105 arranged on opposite sides of the base 101, each of the plates having a gripper 106 for gripping a plurality of paper envelopes between the plates 104; iii) a telescopic gripper 107 attached to the base 101 for sliding and holding an envelope between the plates 104; iv) an air blower unit 108 mounted on the upper edge of the base 101 for blowing air into the envelope to open it; v) an L-shaped connecting member 109 connected to the base 101 by a ball joint 110, the connecting member 109 having at one end a nozzle 111 connected via a line 114 to a pump 112 in a tank 113, the tank 113 being provided on the base 101 for storing adhesive, the nozzle 111 serving to apply adhesive to the enclosure; and vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 115 installed on the base 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images near the base 101 to determine an edge of the enclosure to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the joint 109, the ball joint 110 and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the enclosure with the nozzle 111. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein a microphone 116 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to receive an audio command from the user regarding the application of adhesive to the sleeve, to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the imaging unit 115 to determine the edge of the sleeve, to actuate the connector 109, the ball joint 110 and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the sleeve with the nozzle 111. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting it to a computing unit to operate the imaging unit 115 to determine the edge of the sleeve, to operate the connector 109, the ball joint 110 and the pump 112 to apply adhesive to the edge of the sleeve with the nozzle 111. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a touch-sensitive display panel 117 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to enable the user to provide touch input regarding the application of glue to the envelope, to operate the imaging unit 115 to determine the edge of the envelope, to operate the connector 109, the ball joint 110 and the pump 112 to apply glue to the edge of the envelope with the nozzle 111. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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