GB2237776A - Hand held device for moistening envelope flap, label or stamp - Google Patents

Abstract

Formed in two separable components, the body of this device comprises of a water bottle 1 and a collar 2. Having first been unscrewed for the purpose of filling the water bottle, the collar is refitted, and the whole device inverted, ready for use. A roller-ball located at the top of the collar, and partially exposed from it, serves to transfer a controlled measure of water from the bottle, through a narrow channel in the collar, onto the surface to be moistened. The translucent water bottle gives a constant visual indication of the water level inside. A push-fit cap 4 is provided to protect against leakage should the device fall onto its side. <IMAGE>

Description

HAND HELD SeVELOPE SEALING DEVICE This simple invention is intended for use in the office or home,or infact anywhere that envelopes need to be moistened and sealed quickly and conveniently.

This hand held device removes the need to physically lick an envelope flap before sealing it; thus sparing both the dry tongue and unpleasant taste, as well as avoiding the risk of paper cuts to the lips or mouth. Additionally, when sealing any quantity of envelopes this device, not reliant on human saliva, will perform the task far quicker and more hygienically too.

Whilst the idea of an envelope sealing machine is not new, such devices already in existence are larger, work-top mounted, and intended for heavy duty service in corporate post rooms and the like. This device is specifically designed to be light, easily portable, and small enough to be kept in a desk drawer or brief case when not in use.

Although primarily intended for use with envelopes, this device can be employed for a number of similar duties: moistening gummed labels for instance, or even postage stamps.

This device essentially comprises of the four components shown in half-sectioned elevation in Fig.1. It is manufactured entirely of moulded plastic or similar material, the water bottle being translucent to give a visual indication of the water level inside.

The water bottle 1 is conical in shape, with a flat round base for stability. Water is poured in through the open neck until the bottle is full. A threaded section around the outside of the neck X mates with a corresponding thread Y on the inside of the collar 2, which is then screwed down tightly over the neck, thus sealing it.

Located inside the collar, but still free to revolve within it, is a spherical roller-ball 3. The function of this ball is to sparingly transfer water from the bottle, through a narrow channel in the collar Z, on to the gummed surface of an envelope; much in the same manner as a ball point pen transfers ink from its refill on to paper.

A simple push-fit cap 4 safeguards against leakages whenever the device is not in use.

Pig.2 illustrates the device in operation. With the protective cap removed,the device is inverted and held in the hand, just as if it were a thick pencil or pen. The roller-ball is then traced quickly and lightly along the gummed edge of the envelope, thus moistening it ready for sealing.

Claims (5)

1. A hand held envelope sealing device, conical in shape, with a wide flat base for stability when not in use. This device incorporates an internal reservoir from which water is sparingly transferred onto paper via a spherical-roller ball at its tip.

2. A hand held envelope sealing device as claimed in claim 1 but with a threaded å joint between the upper section (collar) and the lower section (water bottle) allowing the device to be broken into two parts for the purpose of refilling the water bottle.

3. A hand held envelope sealing device as claimed in claims 1 and 2; the water bottle being made of translucent material to give a constant visual indication of the level of water inside.

4. A hand held envelope sealing device as claimed in claims 1,2 and 3 but with a push-fit cap to safeguard against leakage when not in use, and to make it genuinely portable yet instantly ready for service whenever and wherever required.

5. A hand held envelope sealing device as claimed in claims 1,2,3 and 4, together with the description and both drawings previously fowarded.