Abstract:
A stamping system with a pivoting stamping jig for guiding stamps to a work surface. In one construction, a stamping jig includes a body and a pivot member. The body defines an opening and includes an outer portion having a plurality of alignment features. The pivot member is movably received within the opening and is engageable with the work surface such that the body is movable with respect to the pivot member while the pivot member remains substantially stationary with respect to the work surface. In another construction, a stamping system includes a jig defining a plurality of first alignment features and a pivot guide including a second alignment feature that is selectively engageable with individual ones of the plurality of first alignment features. The pivot guide includes a base and a rotatable portion that includes the second alignment feature.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/640,811, filed May 1, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/548,108, filed Oct. 17, 2011. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The technical field relates to stamps and stamping systems for use in applying ink stamps to work surfaces, such as in craft projects. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Ink stamps are known for applying patterns, letters, numbers, and other indicia to a work surface. Ink stamps are used in a variety of applications, including, for example, in office settings for applying mailing addresses, labels, dates, and other frequently required pieces of information to mailings, letters and other paperwork. Ink stamps are also used to apply decorative patterns to a work surface such as paper or card stock for use in scrapbooks, custom-made stationary, and the like. Stamps may also be applied to walls, furniture, or substantially any other surface where it is desired to apply a decorative or informative pattern or other indicia. Creating certain decorative indicia can involve the repetitive application of one or more stamps in a repeating pattern. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The subject matter addressed herein relates generally to stamps and stamping systems for use in applying ink stamps to work surfaces such as in craft projects. Features, advantages and embodiments of the subject matter may be set forth, or be made apparent, from consideration of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is exemplary in nature and sets forth certain aspects of the relevant subject matter without limiting the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, in some aspects, a stamping jig for guiding stamps to a work surface includes a body defining an opening and including an outer portion having a plurality of alignment features, and a pivot member movably received within the opening and engageable with the work surface. The body is movable with respect to the pivot member while the pivot member remains substantially stationary with respect to the work surface. 
         [0006]    The body may be elongated, and the plurality of alignment features may be substantially evenly spaced around the entire outer portion of the body. The opening may be a slot and the pivot member may be slidably received by the slot. The slot may be curved. The alignment features may comprise keyholes. The pivot member may be non-removably received within the opening. 
         [0007]    In other aspects, a stamping system for guiding stamps to a work surface includes a jig defining a plurality of first alignment features spaced about the jig, and a pivot guide including a base engageable with the work surface and a rotatable portion rotatable with respect to the base. The rotatable portion includes a second alignment feature that is selectively engageable with individual ones of the plurality of first alignment features to align the pivot guide with respect to the jig. 
         [0008]    When the second alignment feature is engaged with one of the plurality of first alignment features, the jig may be rotatable with the rotatable portion about the base of the pivot guide. The plurality of first alignment features may include one of recesses and projections, and the second alignment feature may include the other of a recess and a projection. The recess may be in the form of a keyhole and the projection may be in the form of a key. The jig may include an outer portion, and the first alignment features may be disposed on the outer portion. The jig may be substantially ring-shaped and may include an inner portion, and the plurality of first alignment features may be disposed on both the inner portion and the outer portion of the jig. The jig may include stamp alignment indicia disposed adjacent selected ones of the plurality of first alignment features to aid a user in forming a predetermined stamping pattern. The jig may be one of substantially oval, substantially circular, and substantially rectangular. The stamping system may also include a stamping block including a third alignment feature selectively engageable with individual ones of the plurality of first alignment features to align the stamping block with respect to the jig. 
         [0009]    Various features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a stamping system. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a circle ring jig and stamping block of the stamping system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a circle jig and stamping block of the stamping system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the circle jig and stamping block of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an oval jig similar to the circle jig of  FIG. 3  but having an oval shape. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the oval jig of  FIG. 5   
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top view of an oval ring jig similar to the circle ring jig of  FIG. 2  but having an oval shape. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the oval ring jig of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a stamping handle of the stamping block of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the stamping handle of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is an end view of the stamping handle of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating two configurations of an interchangeable stamping die of the stamping block of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is an end view of one of the stamping dies of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a square ring jig and a stamping block according to an alternate embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a square jig according to an alternate embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an adjustable elongated straight jig according to an alternate embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an adjustable elongated curved jig according to an alternate embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  illustrates a method of using the straight jig of  FIG. 16  to stamp a rounded corner. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  illustrates a method of using the straight jig of  FIG. 16  to stamp a circle. 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  illustrates a method of using the straight jig of  FIG. 16  to stamp a straight line. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a top view of a jig pivot guide for use with the stamping jigs of the foregoing Figures. 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the jig pivot guide of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a top view showing a first method of using the jig pivot guide of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a top view showing a second method of using the jig pivot guide of  FIG. 21 . 
       
    
    
       [0034]    The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    While the subject matter of this disclosure can be practiced and carried out in many different ways, certain specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail with the understanding that such drawings and description are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention set forth in claims only to those embodiments that are illustrated and described. 
         [0036]    Referring now to the drawings, and initially to  FIGS. 1-4 , a stamping system  10  is shown for applying stamps to a work surface such as paper or other media. The stamping system  10  is comprised of at least one jig  12   a  and/or  12   b  and at least one stamping block  16  configured to be received in or otherwise engaged with the jig  12 . 
         [0037]    The stamping system of  FIGS. 1-4  includes a circle ring jig  12   a  and a circle jig  12   b . Each jig  12   a ,  12   b  is generally configured in the form of a predetermined geometric shape that defines a jig perimeter. For example, the circle ring jig  12   a  includes an inner portion  13  and an outer portion  15 , whereas the circle jig  12   b  includes only an outer portion  15 . Each jig  12   a ,  12   b  includes a plurality of first alignment features in the form of recesses or key holes  14  disposed about the outer portion  15 . The circle ring jig  12   a  also includes first alignment features, e.g., key holes  14 , disposed about the inner portion  13 . Each of the key holes  14  is configured to receive a corresponding second alignment feature in the form of one or more projections or keys  22  provided on the stamping block  16 . It should be appreciated that the configuration of the jigs  12   a ,  12   b  and the stamping block  16  could be reversed such that the jigs  12   a ,  12   b , include a plurality of projections or keys and the stamping block  16  includes one or more recesses or key holes. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the jigs  12   a ,  12   b  include stamp alignment indicia  18  disposed adjacent certain ones of the key holes  14  to aid in alignment of the stamping block  16  for forming predetermined patterns (see  FIGS. 2-3 ). The stamping block  16  can include similar stamp alignment indicia corresponding to the indicia  18  disposed adjacent the key holes  14  to assist the user in matching the orientation of the stamping block  16  to specific key holes  14  for providing a desired stamp design. 
         [0039]    Other embodiments of jigs  12  having other shapes are illustrated in  FIGS. 5 through 8 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an oval jig  12   c  having a generally oval-shaped perimeter and key holes  14  disposed about an outer portion  15  thereof.  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an oval ring jig  12   d  having a generally oval-shaped perimeter and key holes  14  disposed about both an inner portion  13  and an outer portion  15  thereof. 
         [0040]    Each jig  12   a - 12   d  also has a bottom surface  28  (see  FIGS. 6 and 8 ). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface  28  of the jig  12  can be removably adhered to a work surface so as to resist movement of the system  10  during use of the stamping system  10 . Accordingly, it is contemplated that a tacky material can be applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface  28  of the jig  12 . Alternatively, the bottom surface  28  of the jig  12  (or portions thereof) may be roughened such that the roughened portions of the bottom surface itself provide a frictional resistive force to assist in preventing the jig  12  from sliding on a work surface. 
         [0041]    Referring also to  FIGS. 9 through 11 , the stamping block  16  includes a stamping handle  26  that, in some embodiments, is formed of a clear material to aid in visually aligning the stamping block  16 . The stamping handle  26  includes a base  30 , from which the keys  22  extend, and a handle portion  34  extending from the base  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a stamping die  50  having an image formed therein can be attached, secured, or coupled to the underside of the stamping handle  26 . The stamping die  50  can be permanently or removably attached or secured to the stamping handle  26  in a variety of ways, such as by adhesive, friction fits, hook loop connections, a cling layer (as discussed below), and the like, without limitation. 
         [0042]    Referring also to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , one embodiment of an interchangeable stamping die  50  that may be used with the stamping handle  26  includes an ink receiving printing layer  52 , a first foam layer  54 , and an electrostatic cling film layer  56 . The ink receiving printing layer  52  has an image surface  58  and an opposed second surface. The image surface  58  of the ink receiving printing layer  52  is preferably formed from rubber. However, it is contemplated that the image surface  58  can also be formed from wood or any other surface suitable for transferring ink to a work surface. The image surface  58  may include a raised surface image or, alternatively, an engraved or impressed image. 
         [0043]    The first foam layer  54  has a first surface and an opposed second surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the first foam layer is attached to the second surface of the ink receiving print surface  52  by a first adhesive layer. 
         [0044]    The electrostatic cling film layer  56  includes a first surface and a cling surface  60 . The first surface of the electrostatic cling film layer  56  is attached to the first surface of the first foam layer  54  by, for example, a second adhesive layer. The cling surface  60  of the electrostatic cling film layer  56  is adapted to be releasably secured to a stamp mount, such as the stamping handle  26  of  FIGS. 9 through 11 , without the use of an adhesive layer. It is contemplated that the stamp mount to which the cling surface  60  of the electrostatic cling film layer  56  may be releasably attached can be any surface suitable for functioning as a mounting surface or handle for the interchangeable stamp die  50 . In some embodiments, the stamp mount may also be an exposed surface of a second stamp. According to one embodiment, the cling surface  60  of the electrostatic film layer  56  includes indicia  62  disposed thereon corresponding to an image formed in the ink receiving printing layer  52 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the cling surface  60  is flat and smooth. 
         [0045]    According to one embodiment, the interchangeable stamping die  50  may also include a second foam layer, as suggested by the broken line extending through the first foam layer  54  in  FIG. 13 . The second foam layer can be disposed between the first foam layer and the electrostatic cling film layer. It is contemplated that the first foam layer has a first foam density and the second foam layer has a second foam density. It is further contemplated that the first foam layer can have a first compressibility and the second foam layer can have a second compressibility. 
         [0046]      FIG. 14  illustrates yet another alternative stamping jig in the form of a square ring jig  12   e  and an alternative stamping block  16   b . The square ring jig  12   e  includes first alignment features in the form of key holes  14  on both inner and outer portions  13 ,  15  that are configured to receive one of a plurality of corresponding second alignment features in the form of keys  22  provided on the stamping block  16   b . The stamping block  16   b  includes a key  22  on each end and also includes two keys located on side portions that are angled at approximately 45 degrees from one of the ends. The additional keys  22  provided on stamping block  16   b  increase the possible orientations at which the stamping die  50  can be positioned with respect to the stamping jig  12   e  (or any other stamping jig  12 ) without having to adjust the position of the stamping die  50  on the stamping handle  26 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 15  illustrates yet another alternative stamping jig in the form of a square jig  12   f . The square jig  12   f  includes first alignment features in the form of key holes  14  on its outer portion  15  for receiving one of the keys  22  on the stamping block  16   b  of  FIG. 12 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 16  illustrates an adjustable elongated straight jig  12   g  having a straight and elongated shape. The straight jig  12   g  includes first alignment features in the form of key holes  14  on its outer portion  15  for receiving one of the keys  22  on the stamping block  16   b  of  FIG. 14 . The straight jig  12   g  also includes an opening in the form of an elongated slot  70  extending through a central portion of the straight jig  12   g  substantially from end to end, and a button or pivot member  74  slidingly received within the slot  70 . The pivot member  74  may be removably or non-removably received within elongated slot  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, one end  76  of the straight jig  12   g  is rounded and defines a substantially continuous curve, while the other end  78  of the straight jig  12   g  is squared off and includes sharper corner portions with a substantially straight portion extending therebetween. Other embodiments of the straight jig  12   g  can include ends  76 ,  78  that are both curved or both squared off. 
         [0049]      FIG. 17  illustrates an adjustable elongated curved jig  12   h  that is similar to the adjustable straight jig  12   g  but that has a curved and elongated shape. The curved jig  12   h  defines a single, substantially constant radius curve; however, other embodiments may be substantially S-shaped or may include portions having curvatures of varying radii. The curved jig  12   h  includes key holes  14  on its outer portion  15  for receiving one of the keys  22  on the stamping block  16   b  of  FIG. 14 . The curved jig  12   h  includes a curved and elongated slot  70  extending through a central portion of the curved jig  12   h  substantially from end to end, and a button or pivot member  74  slidingly received within the slot  70 . The pivot member  74  may be removably or non-removably received within elongated slot  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, ends  76 ,  78  of the curved jig  12   h  are each curved and smoothly rounded. In other embodiments, one or both of the ends  76 ,  78  may be squared off in a manner to what is illustrated and described with respect to the end  78  of the straight jig  12   g.    
         [0050]    In both the adjustable straight jig  12   g  of  FIG. 16  and the adjustable curved jig  12   h  of  FIG. 17 , the pivot member  74  functions to expand the possible patterns of stamping that can be performed with the jigs  12   g ,  12   h . In operation, a user can press the pivot member  74  against the work surface such that the pivot member  74  remains substantially fixed with respect to the work surface. The user can then rotate or pivot the jig  12   h  or  12   g  around the pivot member  74 , or can slide the jig  12   h  or  12   g  along pivot member  74  by way of the slot  70 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 18  illustrates one exemplary method of using the straight jig  12   g  for stamping a rounded corner. With the jig  12   g  held substantially fixed against the work surface, the user stamps in a substantially straight line by moving the stamping block  16  along the key holes  14  on the outer portion  14  of the straight jig  12   g . When the user reaches the end  78  of the straight jig  12   g , the user presses the pivot member  74  against the work surface and pivots the straight jig  12   g  about the pivot member  74 . In the illustrated embodiment, the user has pivoted the straight jig  12   g  approximately 90 degrees; however, it should be appreciated that the user can pivot the jig  12   g  through any angle of choice to obtain a desired stamping pattern. The user also stamps around the appropriate key holes  14  that define the curve of the end  78 . This step can be performed before or after the user has pivoted the jig  12   g  about the pivot member  74 . Once the user has stamped around the corner, the user can continue to stamp in a straight line along the outer portion  14  of the straight jig  12   g . The user can continue in this manner to form a square, rectangle, or substantially any other shape having a plurality of straight sides joined by angles. 
         [0052]      FIG. 19  illustrates one exemplary method of using the straight jig  12   g  for stamping a relatively small circle. With the jig  12   g  held substantially fixed against the work surface, the user begins stamping by inserting the stamping block  16  into one of the key holes  14  that is directly adjacent the rounded end  76  and oriented substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the jig  12   g . The user then stamps around the rounded end  76  to form a half circle. The user then presses the pivot member  74  against the work surface and pivots the straight jig  12   g  approximately 180 degrees about the pivot member  74 . The user then continues stamping around the rounded end  76  to complete the circle. Note that, although it involves additional steps, by using the straight jig  12   g  to stamp the circle discussed above, a user may not necessarily require the circle jig  12   b  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 20  illustrates one exemplary method of using the straight jig  12   g  for stamping a continuous straight line. With the straight jig  12   g  held substantially fixed against the work surface, the user stamps in a substantially straight line by moving the stamping block  16  along the key holes  14  on the outer portion  14  of the straight jig  12   g . When the user reaches the end  78  of the straight jig  12   g , the user presses the pivot member  74  against the work surface and pivots the jig  12   g  about the pivot member  74  through approximately 180 degrees. When the straight jig  12   g  is aligned with the previously completed row of stamps, the user can continue stamping in a straight line, and can repeat the process until a line of stamps of the desired length is obtained. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of the straight jig  12   g  shown in  FIG. 16 , which includes a substantially continuous slot  70 , instead of pivoting the jig  12   g  about the pivot member  74 , the jig  12   g  can instead be slid along the work surface by way of the slot  70  while the pivot member  74  is held stationary. 
         [0054]    The exemplary methods of  FIGS. 18-20  can also be used in the alternative or in combination with the curved jig  12   h  of  FIG. 17  to form curved patterns, such as S-shaped patterns, extended arch patterns of substantially constant radius, patterns having combinations of straight and curved sections, and the like. 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a jig pivot guide  80  includes an upper, rotatable portion  84  including a third alignment feature in the form of a tooth or key  88  that, like the second alignment feature in the form of a key  22  provided on the stamping block  16 , is configured to fit within the first alignment features or key holes  14  of the various jigs  12  described above. The pivot guide  80  also includes a base  92  ( FIG. 22 ) rotatably coupled to the rotatable portion  84  and configured for engagement with the work surface. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the jig pivot guide  80  can be used to pivot a jig  12  about a substantially fixed point on the work surface to obtain desired stamping patterns. For example,  FIG. 23  illustrates the key  88  of the jig pivot guide  80  engaged with one of the key holes  14  on the inner portion  13  of the circle ring jig  12   a . In  FIG. 23 , the circle ring jig  12   a  was originally positioned as shown by the lighter weight lines and a stamping block  16  was used to stamp a complete circle around the outer portion  15  of the circle ring jig  12   a . The pivot guide  80  was then used to pivot the circle ring jig  12   a  about a substantially fixed point on the work surface so that another circle of stamps could be created at a location slightly offset from first circle of stamps, as shown in heavy lines in  FIG. 21 . More specifically, with the key  88  of the jig pivot guide  80  engaged with one of the key holes  14  on the inner portion  13  of the circular ring jig  12   a , and without substantial movement of the base  92  of the pivot guide  80 , the rotatable portion  84  and the circular ring jig  12   a  can be rotated with respect to the base  92  to alter the location of the circle ring jig  12   a . Because the base  92  remains stationary on the work surface, and because the key of the pivot guide  80  remains engaged with one of the key holes  22  on the circle ring jig  12   a , relatively precise reorientation of the circle ring jig  12   a  about a substantially fixed location on the work surface can be obtained. 
         [0057]      FIG. 24  shows a method of using the jig pivot guide  80  similar to  FIG. 23 , but where the stamping operation is carried out using the key holes  14  on the inner portion  13  of the circular ring jig  12   a , and the key  88  of the jig pivot guide  80  is engaged with a key hole  22  on the outer portion  15  of the circular ring jig  12   a . The stamping and reorientation of the circular ring jig  12   a  shown in  FIG. 24  is otherwise similar to that shown in and described with respect to  FIG. 21 . 
         [0058]    While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of protection is to be limited only by the scope of the accompanying claims.