AUTOMATED KNIFE COVERING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated knife covering device, comprising a cuboidal frame 1 having first and second opening and accessed by a user to insert frame 1 over a knife to be covered, plurality of extendable plates 2 configured with two lateral sides of frame 1, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed with frame 1 to determines dimensions of knife, a pair of motorized drawer arrangements 4 installed in each of plate to provide extension to plates 2, a pair of telescopic rods 5 installed with first opening to extend and position a suction unit 6 in contact with handle, a suction unit 6 configured with each of rod to grip handle in secured manner, a microphone 7 installed over frame 1 receive voice command of user regrading requirement of knife and a motorized hinge joint 8 interconnecting each of plates 2 to roll frame 1 and expose knife for use.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated knife covering device that is capable of determining a dimension of the knife and accordingly accommodate the knife properly in a view of covering the knife in a secured and an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In daily life knives are incredible versatile tools used for cutting, slicing, and chopping various materials, from food in the kitchen to outdoor activities like camping and survival situation. They are essential for cooking, crafting and even for self-defense in some cases. Knives covering is often necessary for safety and protection, especially when transporting or storing them. Covering knives also helps maintain their sharpness and longevity by preventing unnecessary wear and tear.

[0003] Traditionally, knives were often covered using sheaths made from natural materials like leather, wood, and animal bone. These covers where custom-made to fit the specific knife and provided protection for both the blade and the user when not in use. While these traditional method offer some benefits but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Most of the traditional methods may offer limited protection against moisture and other weather condition which causes damage to the knife blade. Also traditional covers often required manual manipulation such as unsnapping a closure ort pulling out a knife from a sheath. This is less convenient and less comfortable to carry or use.

[0004] CN1569569B discloses about an invention that is a kind of the invention relates to a knife protection device for knife, shear and so on. It is made up of two joint faces with the same structure, nearly the whole surface of one joint face has adhesive, and the knife can be bonded between them, the two joint faces connects along the folded edges with apertures, at least one joint face has a convex part with the extrude equal area. In order to provide a knife protection device for knife and shear and so on, it uses a little material and low cost and it can be used as the carrier under mark type. The adhesive is based on the crylic acid base; the joint face is made up of film. Although, CN'569 is capable of covering knife. However, above mentioned device lack in uncover the knife through the user voice command and also lack in protect the knife from rust.

[0005] US5699907A discloses about an invention that is a kind of the invention for covering knives and the like, which protectively encloses the blade while leaving the handle free to be taken hold of, characterized by two films have been given a one-sided self-adhesive finish and which can be stuck on both sides onto the blade while overlapping it, the overlapping regions of the films sticking to one another by means of their self-adhesive-finished sides, and the ends of the films possessing a non-adhesive grip element so that the pack can be pulled open, and the adhesive on the self-adhesive-finished films permitting residue-free removal from the blade. Although, US'907 is capable of covering knife. However, above mentioned device lack in covering various dimension knife and also lack in uncover the knife through the user voice command.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of covering a knife securely, however these devices fail in determining a dimension of the knife and accordingly cover the knife in a secured and an automated manner, and also failed in exposing the knife through the user voice command and enable the user to use the knife as per their requirement.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of determining a dimension of the knife and accordingly accommodate the knife properly in a view of covering the knife in a secured and an automated manner, and also need to develop a device that recognize the user voice command and uncover the knife as per the user specified.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining a dimension of the knife and accordingly accommodate the knife properly in a view of covering the knife in a secured and an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of recognizing a user voice command and accordingly uncover the knife as per the user specified in order to enable the user to use the knife.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring presence of corrosion over the knife and accordingly notify the user in real time to replace the knife with new knife.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review 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 an automated knife covering device that is capable of determining a dimension of the knife and accordingly accommodate the knife in view of covering the knife in a secured and an automated manner, thereby, protect the user from injuries. Additionally, device is capable of monitoring corrosion on the surface of the knife in real time to replace the knife with the new one.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated knife covering device, comprises of a cuboidal frame having first and second opening and allow a user to insert the frame over a knife to be covered, further multiple of extendable plates (range in 4-6) configured with two lateral sides of the frame, furthermore an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed with the frame to determines dimensions of the knife including length and width of the knife, pair of motorized drawer arrangements installed in each of the plate that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide extension to the plates in accordance with the detected dimensions in view of appropriately accommodating the knife within the frame, followed by a pair of telescopic rods installed with the first opening that are actuated by the microcontroller to extend and position a suction unit configured with each of the rod in contact with handle of the knife followed by actuation of the suctions units to grip the handle in a secured manner.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a microphone installed over the frame to receive voice command of the user regrading requirement of the knife, wherein based on the user-input voice command, the microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint interconnecting each of the plates to provide rotation to the plates in a successive manner to roll the frame and expose the knife for use, wherein upon rolling of the frame, the microcontroller actuates multiple pop out balls installed over the first opening that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to the frame over the knife simultaneous to retraction of rods to position the roller frame overs aid handle to enable the user to use the knife and a corrosion detection sensor installed over the frame to monitor presence of corrosion over the knife and in case of detection of the corrosion, the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed over the frame to produce a voice command to notify the user regrading the detected corrosion.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated knife covering device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. 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 to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated knife covering device that is capable of determining a dimension of the knife and accordingly accommodate the knife in view of covering the knife in a secured and an automated manner, thereby, protect the user from injuries. Additionally, device is capable of monitoring corrosion on the surface of the knife in real time to replace the knife with the new one.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated knife covering device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal frame 1 having first and second opening and accessed by a user to insert the frame 1 over a knife, plurality of extendable plates 2 configured with two lateral sides of the frame 1, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed with the frame 1, a pair of motorized drawer arrangements 4 installed in each of the plate, a pair of telescopic rods 5 installed with the first opening, a suction unit 6 configured with each of the rod, a microphone 7 installed over the frame 1, a motorized hinge joint 8 interconnecting each of the plates 2, a speaker 9 installed over the frame 1, multiple pop out balls 10 installed over the first opening.

[0023] The present invention is comprises of a cuboidal frame 1 consist of six rectangular faces and made from a flexible material like plastic or silicon. Both plastic and silicon are flexible in nature, which easily conform to the shape of various knife blades, ensuring a snug and secure fit over the blade. Further, the frame 1 has two opening in opposite to each other named as first opening and second opening that allows the user to easily place over the knife blade. These opening provides access for the user to insert the frame 1 over the knife in view effectively covering the blade for safety purpose. Thereby protecting both the user and the blade from the accidental contact or damage when the knife is not in use.

[0024] Thereafter, multiple of extendable plates 2 (range in between 4-6) configured with two lateral sides of the frame 1. Upon the user insert the frame 1 over the knife, an inbuilt microcontroller activate an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed with the frame 1 and integrated with a laser sensor to determines dimensions of the knife including length and width of the knife. The imaging unit 3 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the knife and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 3 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 3 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0025] Simultaneously, the microcontroller activate the laser sensor that work in synced with imaging unit 3 to determine the dimension of the knife. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the knife and back. The sensor emits a light towards the surface of knife and when the laser beam hits the surface of the knife, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface knife. The sensor, then send signal to the microcontroller.

[0026] Upon receiving signal from the imaging unit 3 and the laser sensor, the microcontroller determine the dimensions of the knife including length and width of the knife. Based on the determined dimension of the knife, the microcontroller actuate a pair of motorized drawer arrangements 4 installed in each of the plate that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide extension to the plates 2.

[0027] The extension of the plates 2 is operated by the microcontroller by employing a drawer arrangement installed within the plates 2. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates 2 that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend plates 2 in view of appropriately accommodating the knife within the frame 1.

[0028] Upon accommodating the knife into the frame 1, the microcontroller actuate a pair of telescopic rods 5 installed with the first opening and integrated with the suction cup. The extension of the rod is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device and includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air.

[0029] The air compressor is consist of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor propels the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the rod to position the suction cup in contact with handle of the knife.

[0030] Thereafter, the microcontroller activate the suction unit 6 to grip the handle. The suction unit 6 comprises of a bowl-shaped cup alike entity having two openings in which one side of the opening has a larger diameter and another side has a smaller diameter, wherein the smaller diameter of the cup is attached with a vacuum pump via conduit that is interlinked with the microcontroller as well as the larger diameter of the cup is attached with a handle. On actuation, the pump creates a negative pressure which in turn a vacuum is created inside the cup for griping the handle in a secured manner.

[0031] After gripping the handle of the knife, the microcontroller activate a microphone 7 installed over the frame 1 to receive voice command of the user regrading requirement of the knife. The microphone 7 works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 7 on receiving the input from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller on receiving the signals determined the requirement of the user and accordingly actuate a motorized hinge joint 8 interconnecting each of the plates 2 to provide rotation to the plates 2.

[0032] The motorized hinge joint 8 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the plates 2. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides a rotation to the plates 2 in a successive manner to roll the frame 1 and expose the knife for use.

[0033] Upon rolling of the frame 1, the microcontroller actuate multiple pop out balls 10 (ranging 4-6 balls) installed over the first opening that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to the frame 1 over the knife. The pop-up balls 10 provides translational motion to the frame 1 over the knife. The balls 10 are equipped with motor. The microcontroller herein coordinates these motorized balls 10 to rotate independently causing them to roll on the knife as the motor rotates in coordination the combined effect propels the frame 1 over the knife.

[0034] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuate the rods 5 to retract and position the roller frame 1 overs aid handle. Similarly the telescopically operated rod retract by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the rod retract and position the roller frame 1 overs aid handle to enable the user to use the knife.

[0035] Furthermore, a corrosion detection sensor installed over the frame 1 to monitor presence of corrosion over the knife. The corrosion sensor measures the changes in the electrical resistance when it is exposed with the rust. The sensor measures an electric resistance value and transmits an output signal in the form of data to the micro controller and the micro controller detects the corrosion on the knife.

[0036] Upon detecting the corrosion on the knife, the microcontroller actuate a speaker 9 installed over the frame 1 to produce a voice command to notify the user regarding the detected corrosion. The speaker 9 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user replace the knife with new one.

[0037] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0038] The following invention work best in the following manner, where the cuboidal frame 1 as disclosed in the invention is having first and second opening and accessed by the user to insert the frame 1 over the knife to be covered. Then, the multiple of extendable plates 2 configured with two lateral sides of the frame 1, followed by the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 determines dimensions of the knife including length and width of the knife. Then, the pair of motorized drawer arrangements 4 that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide extension to the plates 2 in view of appropriately accommodating the knife within the frame 1, followed by the pair of telescopic rods 5 that are actuated by the microcontroller to extend and position the suction unit 6 in contact with handle of the knife followed by actuation of the suctions units to grip the handle in the secured manner. Then, the microphone 7 to receive voice command of the user regrading requirement of the knife. As per the user-input voice command, the microcontroller actuates the motorized hinge joint 8 to provide rotation to the plates 2 in the successive manner to roll the frame 1 and expose the knife for use. Upon rolling of the frame 1, the microcontroller actuates multiple pop out balls 10 to provide translation to the frame 1 over the knife simultaneous to retraction of rods 5 to position the roller frame 1 overs aid handle to enable the user to use knife. Furthermore, the corrosion detection sensor monitor presence of corrosion over the knife and in case of detection of the corrosion, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 9 to produce the voice command to notify the user regarding the detected corrosion.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated knife covering device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal frame 1 having first and second opening and accessed by a user to insert said frame 1 over a knife to be covered, wherein said frame 1 is made up of a flexible material;
ii) plurality of extendable plates 2 configured with two lateral sides of said frame 1, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed with said frame 1 and integrated with a laser sensor for capturing and processing images of said knife, based on which a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 3, determines dimensions of said knife including length and width of said knife;
iii) a pair of motorized drawer arrangements 4 installed in each of said plate that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide extension to said plates 2 in accordance with said detected dimensions in view of appropriately accommodating said knife within said frame 1, wherein a pair of telescopic rods 5 installed with said first opening that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend and position a suction unit 6 configured with each of said rod in contact with handle of said knife followed by actuation of said suctions units to grip said handle in a secured manner; and
iv) a microphone 7 installed over said frame 1 to receive voice command of said user regarding requirement of said knife, wherein based on said user-input voice command, said microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 8 interconnecting each of said plates 2 to provide rotation to said plates 2 in a successive manner to roll said frame 1 and expose said knife for use.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a corrosion detection sensor installed over said frame 1 to monitor presence of corrosion over said knife and in case of detection of said corrosion, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 9 installed over said frame 1 to produce a voice command to notify said user regrading said detected corrosion.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon rolling of said frame 1, said microcontroller actuates multiple pop out balls 10 installed over said first opening that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide translation to said frame 1 over said knife simultaneous to retraction of rods 5 to position said roller frame 1 overs aid handle to enable said user to use said knife.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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