Abstract:
The present invention provides for a stamp alignment device for use with a stamp having a height comprised of a base having first and second stamp guide edges. The first stamp guide edge and the second stamp guide edge connect in a substantially perpendicular manner creating an angled receiving area. At least one portion of each of the stamp guide edges is substantially higher than the height of the stamp mount. The stamp alignment device further comprises a non-slip surface attached to the bottom of the base and has a thickness. The non-slip surface has first and second non-slip surface guide edges that correspond to the first and second stamp guide edges of the base. Additionally, an image sheet is provided having a thickness less than the thickness of the non-slip surface. The image sheet has at least one substantially right angled corner configured to be placed into the first and second non-slip surface guide edges. Thus, when the image sheet is placed along the first and second non-slip surface guide edges, and the stamp is placed along the first and second stamp guide edges and pressed onto the image sheet, a reference image is deposited on the image sheet so that the image sheet can be moved across a substrate. Once the sheet is positioned the alignment device is brought into contact with the edges of the sheet, the sheet is removed and the alignment device is used to guide the stamp into position, aiding in the accurate placement of the stamped image.

Description:
[0001]    This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/217,149 filed on Jul. 8, 2000, which is incorporated by reference herein as fully as if set forth in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a rubber stamp positioning device. More specifically, this invention relates to a rubber stamp positioning device for accurately positioning an image from a rubber stamp on a substrate.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    There are many devices currently employed to accurately position images on a surface using rubber or plastic stamps or similar marking devices, hereinafter collectively referred to as stamps. Most stamps are produced from opaque materials such that the exact position of the stamping element cannot be seen as the stamp is being used, making exact placement of the stamped image difficult. Even if the stamp is transparent, it still may be difficult to achieve exact placement of the stamped image.  
           [0004]    Various devices have been brought forth in an attempt to aid the user in positioning the stamped image. A typical positioning device consists of an inverted T or L shaped piece, typically fabricated from a piece of ½ inch thick clear plastic. Wood has also been used as the material for the positioning device. A sheet of clear plastic or translucent paper is positioned such that one corner is at the juncture of the horizontal and the vertical elements of the positioning device and the edges of the sheet are aligned to the edges of the positioning device. The stamp to be positioned is inked and aligned over the sheet with one corner at the juncture of the horizontal and vertical elements of the positioning device and its edges against the edges of the positioning device.  
           [0005]    While being held against the edges of the positioning device, the stamp is moved downward to the surface of the sheet, imprinting a reference image. The sheet is then placed on the surface onto which the image is to be stamped and positioned such that the reference image is at a location on the surface where the stamped image is to be imprinted. While holding the sheet in position, the positioning device is brought back into position such that the edges are aligned against the edges of the sheet. While holding the positioning device in place, the sheet is removed, the stamp is re-inked, the stamp is placed against the edges of the positioning device and moved downward against the surface, stamping the image.  
           [0006]    There are several problem associated with the construction and operation of the currently employed stamp positioning devices. Typically, the positioning devices currently available are constructed of acrylic plastic or smoothly finished wood, both of which have a low coefficient of friction, making them difficult to hold in place during use.  
           [0007]    Another drawback in the current designs of stamp positioning devices is the height of the guide edges along which the stamp is placed, typically they are only slightly taller than the rubber die and mounting cushion of the stamp being positioned. This leads to difficulty in positioning the stamp against the guide edges in preparation for stamping. Frequently, because the stamp has to be held so close to the surface in order to be aligned against the short guide edges of the positioning the device, it is not uncommon that the stamp will inadvertently contact the surface before it is properly aligned. It is also not uncommon that in the act of lowering the stamp along the short guide edges that pressure applied by the user that is not completely vertical will force the top of the stamp to angle over the guide edges and cause the stamped image to be mis-positioned.  
           [0008]    In another example of a problem associated with the prior art, typically the guide edges of the positioning device are both relatively long compared with the stamp or stamp mount. As such, because the stamps are normally grasped along opposing edges, one of the edges of the positioning devices usually interferes with the user&#39;s grasp on the stamp while they hold it along the guide edge.  
           [0009]    In yet another example of a short coming found in the prior art of the stamp positioning devices, the use of heavy clear plastic materials to construct the positioning sheet frequently leads to misplaced stamped images. When using such sheets, which typically are an ⅛ inch thick, the reference image is of great enough distance from the intended surface that, if the user is not directly over top of the reference image, the resulting parallax can easily result in the final image being placed improperly. In the past, alternative reference sheets have been constructed of a thin translucent paper, such as tracing paper. However, the use of materials like these frequently leads to poor results either because the paper is folded or bent, or it slips under the guide edges.  
           [0010]    Thus, there exists a need in the field of crafts, particularly in the field of stamp positioning devices to provide a more accurate means of positioning a stamp image on a surface.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0011]    The present invention looks to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art. More specifically, the present invention provides a stamp positioning device having first and second guide edges, where the guide edges are tall enough to allow placement of the stamp against the guides without the likelihood of accidently marking the substrate before the stamp is positioned. In addition, the first or main guide edge, is much longer in length than the second, such that the first guide edge extends for length sufficient, so as to provide stability to the device during use. The second guide edge, is shorter than the edge of the stamp or stamp mount, such that when a user grips the stamp mount with their fingers and thumb positioned on opposite sides of the stamp, the shorter second guide edge will not interfere with the user&#39;s grasp when positioning the stamp.  
           [0012]    The present invention also provides a non-slip base attached to the bottom of the device which provides better contact with the work surface, thus reducing accidental slippage during operation.  
           [0013]    Additionally, the present invention provides for a thin plastic sheet which is significantly thinner that the standard ⅛″ plastic sheets used in the prior art. This thickness is such that it will not create substantial parallax, even if the user is viewing the reference image from an angle other than perpendicular to the working surface. However, the plastic sheet is also of a thickness and sturdiness greater than that of tracing paper or other comparable materials so as to provide stability.  
           [0014]    To this end the present invention provides for a stamp alignment device for use with a stamp having a height comprised of a base having first and second stamp guide edges. The first stamp guide edge and the second stamp guide edge connect in a substantially perpendicular manner creating an angled receiving area. At least one portion of each of the stamp guide edges are tall enough to allow placement of the stamp against the guides without the likelihood of accidently marking the substrate before the stamp is positioned.  
           [0015]    The stamp alignment device further comprises a non-slip surface attached to the bottom of the base and has a thickness. The non-slip surface has first and second non-slip surface guide edges that correspond to the first and second stamp guide edges of the base.  
           [0016]    Additionally, a reference sheet is provided having a thickness no greater than the thickness of the non-slip surface. The reference sheet has at least one substantially right angled corner configured to be placed into the first and second non-slip surface guide edges. Thus, when the reference sheet is placed along the first and second non-slip surface guide edges, and the stamp is placed along the first and second stamp guide edges and pressed onto the reference sheet, a reference image is deposited on the reference sheet so that the reference sheet can be moved across a substrate.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is an angled elevation view of a stamp positioning device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1A is a plan view of a stamp positioning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a under side plan view of a stamp positioning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is an elevation view of stamp and a stamp positioning device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a flow chart for the operation of a stamp positioning device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a stamp positioning device, stamp and a reference sheet as positioned during operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a reference sheet and a substrate as positioned during operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a reference sheet, a substrate, and a stamp positioning device as positioned during operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 is an illustration of stamp, a substrate and a stamp positioning device as positioned during operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is an illustration of substrate with a stamped image thereon at a final stage of operation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a stamp positioning device  10  is comprised of a base  12  having a main segment  14  having at least one first stamp guide edge  16 . Base  12  also has a cross segment  18 , having at least one second stamp guide edge  20  disposed thereon, extending away from first stamp guide edge  16  at a substantially perpendicular angle. A non-slip surface  24  is attached to the underside of base  12  such that it extends across the under surface of base  12  forming first and second non-slip surface guide edges  19  and  21 . An image sheet  26  is provided for positioning within image sheet receiving area  22 , upon which a reference image  28  is placed using stamp  30 . Contoured areas provide gripping surfaces at the front  40  and top  42  of the positioning device.  
         [0028]    Structure  
         [0029]    In one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1, base  12  is composed of main segment  14  having at least one first stamp guide edge  16  disposed thereon and a cross segment  18  having at least one second stamp guide edge  20 . For the purposes of illustrating the salient features of the structure of the present invention, first stamp guide edge  16  of main segment  14  and second stamp guide edge  20  of cross segment  18  will be used to discuss the structure and dimensions of base  12  of device  10 , as these two component portions of device  10  comprise the principal functional aspects of base  12 . References to main segment  14  and cross segment  18  which form first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  respectively will only be used as necessary. FIG. 1A provides a top view of device  10  so as to provide a more detailed view of the features of device  10 .  
         [0030]    First stamp guide edge  16  is approximately 3″-6″ inches and preferably 4½″ inches long, however it can be of any length substantially suited to provide a guide edge to image sheet  26 . The stamp mount  32  and first stamp guide edge  16  is approximately ¾″-1½″ inches and preferably 1¼″ inches in height, however any height can be used so as long a portion of the edge located near the connecting point with second stamp guide edge  20  is at least tall enough to permit the stamp to be accurately positioned against the guide edges  16  and  20  and still provide adequate clearance between the inside surface of stamp  30  and the surface upon which it will be imported, for all of the stamps  30  that are intended to be used with device  10 . The bottom of base  12  of device  10  must be essentially flat where it meets substrate  36  to prevent image sheet  26  from sliding under guide edges  16  and  20 .  
         [0031]    The height of first guide edge  16  can vary along the length of main segment  14 , as seen in FIG. 1, so long as the portion located nearer to the intersection of first and second guide edge  16  and  20  is sufficiently tall enough to allow proper placement of stamp mount portions  32  of stamps  30 . To this end, the heights of first stamp guide edge  16  can vary in size in several permutations of device  10  such that each of the permutations of device  10  are intended to be used with a different style/height stamps  30 .  
         [0032]    In one embodiment of the present invention, main segment  14  is approximately ¾″-1¼″ inches and preferably 1″ wide such that two first guide edges  16  and  16 ′ are formed having smooth, linear surfaces. The upper surface of main segment  14  can be of any contour, either flat, smooth, rounded or rough, which ever provides the user with proper comfort and ease of use during operation. The variation in height along the length of main segment  14  also provides a contoured upper surface having front  40  and top  42  gripping surfaces. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the smooth side surfaces, which form first guide edges  16  and  16 ′ are substantially vertical relative to the work surface.  
         [0033]    For the purposes of illustration of the salient features of the present invention, first stamp guide edge  16  will be discussed alone, however, it should be noted that first stamp guide edge  16 ′ maintains the same structure and function so long as it substantially conforms to the above described dimensions. The base of th device must be essentially flat where it meets the working surface/substrate to prevent the imaging sheet from sliding under the guide edge.  
         [0034]    In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, second stamp guide edge  20  disposed on cross segment  18  is disposed substantially perpendicular to first stamp guide edge  16 , forming a substantially 90 degree angle at their intersection point. Second stamp guide edge  20  is approximately ⅜″-⅝″ inches and preferably ½″ long the length of cross segment  18 , in one direction extending away from the intersection with first stamp guide edge  16 .  
         [0035]    The length of second stamp guide edge  20  may vary, but it is typically a length significantly smaller than that of stamp  30  or stamp mount portions  32  for stamps  30  that are intended to be used with device  10 . This configuration prevents second stamp guide edge  20  from interfering with a user&#39;s fingers gripping stamp  30  or stamp mount portion  32 . As with first stamp guide edge  16 , various permutations of second stamp guide edge  20  may vary size depending on the size of stamp  30 .  
         [0036]    In one embodiment of the present invention, also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A, cross segment  18  can extend perpendicular to main segment  14  in more than one direction. For example, cross segment  18  extends across the width of main segment  14  so as to create two second guide edges  20  and  20 ′. Second stamp guide edge  20 ′, as pictured, is a mirror image of second stamp guide edge  20  thus allowing for device  10  to be used easily by both left and right handed users.  
         [0037]    Alternatively, (not pictured) second stamp guide edge  20 ′ may be different in length, and other dimensions, from second stamp guide edge  20 . Although they maintain substantially the same function, second stamp guide edge  20 ′ could be used with different style or size stamps  30 , assuming of course that first stamp guide edge  16 ′ is also of comparable dimensions. For the purposes of illustrating the salient features of the present invention, first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  and reference sheet receiving area  22  formed by them will be used.  
         [0038]    Second stamp guide edge  20 , approximately ¾″-1½″ inches in height and preferably 1¼″, is at least as tall as stamp  30  intended to be used with base  12 . Second stamp guide edge  20  is shorter in length than stamp  30  but it is at least as tall as stamp  30  near the intersection point with first stamp guide edge  16  and for most if its length along cross segment  18 , so as to provide stability to stamp  30  and stamp mount  32  during operation. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, second stamp guide edge  20  is substantially vertical along its height.  
         [0039]    Cross segment  18  is approximately ½″-1″ inch thick, however this can vary according to various permutations of base  12 . In fact, the side opposite of second stamp guide edge  20  does not have to be flat or vertical along its height so the thickness of cross segment  18  can vary along its length, even on a single device.  
         [0040]    In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2, non-slip surface  24  is attached to the underside of base  12  so as to provide friction between base  12  and the work surface so that base  12  does not slip during operation. Non-slip surface  24  is a firm material with a relatively high coefficient of friction such as high density rubber or a E.V.A. compound and is approximately 1 mm thick, attached via a pressure sensitive adhesive. However, it should be noted that non-slip surface  24  can be constructed of any suitable material which would prevent base  12  from sliding on the work surface during use.  
         [0041]    Non-slip surface  24  should be thin relative to the height of first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20 . Non-slip surface  24  can be manufactured to be a part of base  12 , or it can be affixed after manufacture. The material, can be of any substance that displays appropriate qualities. The thickness of non-slip surface  24 , although preferably 1 mm may vary so long as it performs its intended function, however, non-slip surface  24  should be thicker than image sheet  261   
         [0042]    Non-slip surface  24  covers almost all of the under surface of base  12  creating first and second non-slip surface edges  19  and  21  respectively. Edges  19  and  21  of non-slip surface  24  line up along the same plane as first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20 . This configuration forms a continuous contiguous edge between guide edges  16  and  20  and first and second non-slip surface edges  19  and  21  of non-slip surface  24  such that first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  extend not only the height of main segment  14  and cross segment  18  respectively but additionally the height of non-slip surface  24 . It should be noted that non-slip surface  24  does not need to cover the entire bottom of base  12 , so long as it provides a good non-slip agent to base  12  and provides first and second non-slip surface guide edges  19  and  21  contiguous with first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20 .  
         [0043]    In one embodiment of the present invention, at the meeting point of first and second non-slip surface guide edges  19  and  21  as they exist substantially planer with first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20 , an image sheet receiving area  22  is formed so as to receive reference sheet  26 . As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A and  2 , image sheet receiving area  22  is substantially 90 degrees, however, it should be noted that any angle can be used which compliments the shape of the intended stamp  30  and stamp mount portion  32 .  
         [0044]    In one embodiment of the present invention, image sheet  26  is approximately 1 mm inches thick, between 5″-7″ inches square and is constructed of polypropylene sheet, one side being essentially smooth and the other side being lightly textured. The purpose of the textured side is to reduce the beading up of water based dye inks on the surface of sheet  26 , thereby rendering the stamped image more visible on the sheet. However, it should be noted that, image sheet  26  can be constructed of similar material and of similar size so long as it can maintain the functions required by device  10 . For example, image sheet  26  can be of varying thickness, so long as it is not as thick as non-slip surface  24  and not to thick so as to cause significant parallax when a user views of reference image  28  from an angle other than perpendicular to the work surface. Likewise, image sheet  26  can be constructed of any material that is transparent or translucent and is capable of receiving reference image  28  from stamp  30 . Also, image sheet  26  can be of many different shapes so long as it has at least one region that is substantially complementary to image sheet receiving area  22 , which, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A and  2 , is a 90 degree corner.  
         [0045]    For the purposes of illustrating the salient features of the present invention, image sheet  26 , is square with all four corners are 90 degrees and thus complimentary to image sheet receiving area  22 .  
         [0046]    In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, stamp  30  refers to any stamp  30  which is designed to imprint an image  34  onto a substrate  36 . Stamp,  30  maintains a stamp die  38  which is preferably composed of rubber although it can be of any made of similar materials such as plastic or other materials. Die  38 , which is attached to mount portion  32  via a stamp cushion  35 , is used to stamp image  34  onto substrate  36  and to stamp reference image  28  onto image sheet  26 .  
         [0047]    Stamp  30  also maintains stamp mount portion  32 . Mount portion  32  is the portion of stamp  30  which is placed in along guide edges  16  and  20  so as to place images  28  and  34  onto their respective destinations as will be discussed below. The shape of mount portion  32  is preferably complementary to the angle of intersection between first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20  such that the edges of mount portion  32  line up against first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  allowing for proper positioning of images  28  and  34 . For the purposes of illustration, mount portion  32  is square such that it readily conforms with the 90 degree angle formed by first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  at image sheet receiving area  22 .  
         [0048]    It should be noted that it is merely advantageous that stamp mount portion  32  be complementary to the angle of intersection between first and second guide edges  16  and  20 , and that other mount portion  32  shapes that can be used with consistency. For example, if stamp mount portion  32  were octagonal it would still be able to be used in base  12  even if the meeting position of first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  form a 90 degree square angle. In fact, even a circular stamp mount portion  32  could be used in a 90 degree angled base  12 , however, it would be important to keep track of the facing of die  38 . For illustrative purposes in demonstrating the salient features of the present invention, stamp mount portion  32  will be square, however, this is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention.  
         [0049]    Operation  
         [0050]    In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in flow chart FIG. 4, at a first step  100 , the user selects a stamp  30  and a base  12  of appropriate size and dimension to accommodate stamp  30 .  
         [0051]    Next, at step  102 , as illustrated in FIG. 5, the user places base  12  and image sheet  26  onto a work surface. Image sheet  26  is slid into position into image sheet receiving area  22  so that at least one corresponding corner is abutted against first and second non-slip surface guide edges  19  and  21  which extend contiguous with first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20  down to the work surface.  
         [0052]    Once image sheet  26  is in position, at step  104 , stamp  30  is inked and placed firmly against first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20  and lowered onto image sheet  26 , thus stamping reference image  28  onto sheet  26 . For the most effective results, second stamp guide edge  20  is shortened, as described above, such that when a user is gripping stamp  30  on opposite sides of mount portion  32 , the fingers are positioned on stamp  30  on the edge away from second stamp guide edge  20  and the thumb is positioned on stamp  30  on the edge against second stamp guide edge  20 . Because second stamp guide edge  20  is cut away for some portion of stamp  30  and mount portion  32 , the user&#39;s thumb will have enough room to securely hold and lower stamp  30  against image sheet  26  and not accidently push the stamp away from second stamp guide edge  20 .  
         [0053]    When stamping reference image  28  onto image sheet  26 , the position of base  12  and sheet  26  on the work surface is irrelevant so long as base  12  and sheet  26  are properly aligned to each other. These steps are not used to place stamp  30  onto substrate  36  but are merely used to gauge the final position of stamp  30  relative to first stamp guide edge  16  and second stamp guide edge  20  when it is used in conjunction with base  12 . However, it is important that image sheet  26  is firmly abutted against first and second non-slip surface guide edges  19  and  21  of non-slip surface  24  as they are disposed contiguous with first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20 . Also, reference image  28  is stamped, mount portion  32  of stamp  30  is flush against first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20 .  
         [0054]    Next at step  106 , as illustrated in FIG. 6, after reference image  28  is placed on image sheet  26 , substrate  36  is placed onto the work surface. Image sheet  26  is then placed on top of substrate  36 . Because image sheet  26  is made of a transparent or translucent plastic-like substance, substrate  36  is viewable through image sheet  26 . This allows the user to position reference image  28  exactly where they wish image  34  to eventually appear.  
         [0055]    After reference image  28  is properly positioned on substrate  36 , at step  108 , as illustrated in FIG. 6, base  12  is repositioned against image sheet  26  such that image sheet  26  is again located in reference sheet receiving area  22  with its edges resting squarely against first and second non-slip surface edges  19  and  21  of non-slip surface  24 . Next, at step  110 , image sheet  26  is removed from substrate  36  while base  12  is held firmly in place with the aid of non-slip surface  24 .  
         [0056]    With image sheet  26  removed, at step  112 , stamp  30  is inked and lowered along first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20  onto substrate  36 , as illustrated in FIG. 8. As described above, stamp  30  and mount portion  32  are carefully held flush against first and second stamp guide edges  16  and  20 . Lastly, at step  112 , as illustrated in FIG. 9, base  12  and stamp  30  are removed from substrate  36  leaving image  34  in its proper place.  
         [0057]    While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.