Abstract:
A three dimensional typeset apparatus is disclosed having a grid with a plurality of apertures for accommodating a plurality of sorts. The grid can accommodate sorts having a variety of dimensions and shapes. Each of the sorts has two sides, one side with a raised print surface and the opposite side which is a mirror image of the print side which enables the user to see how the layout looks when it prints. The sorts can print a single character or can print enlarged continuing images. A variety of attachments to secure each sort within the grid is disclosed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This utility application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application, filed on Jan. 23, 2015 by the same inventor, entitled “Typeset Grid System”, application No. 62107221. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The subject invention relates to an improved typesetting apparatus and method. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In typesetting by hand compositing, a sort is a piece of type representing a particular letter or symbol assembled with other sorts bearing additional letters or lines of type to make up a form from which a page is printed. Lead pieces or strips provide necessary spacing between sorts. 
         [0004]    Current chase lock typesetting or letterpress achieve and maintain alignment using quoins, which are wedges or expanding mechanical devices used for locking a letterpress form into a chase. Alternatively, a completed unalterable “work-up” is fitted to a block for use. Such devices require multiple components to create a work-up, or limit the work-up to a single set-up. This requires a large number of pieces for which an operator must have an ability to effectively employ them. This requires much practice to acquire the required special skills to do such printing, making manual relief printing less accessible to the lay person and hobbyist. 
         [0005]    Various devices are available to typesetting printing. But all have their limitations. For example, typical typesetting printing devices require the printing type or sorts to be assembled by the user using the actual printing face, which is a mirror image of what is actually printed. 
         [0006]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a typesetting device which allows a user to easily set the sorts or type without the need of the use of mirrors or without viewing a mirror image of the image to be printed. 
         [0007]    Another object of the invention to secure sorts within a grid which does not require the use of spacers or quoins. 
         [0008]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a typesetting apparatus and method that allows the user to see the image of what actually will be printed as the printing sorts are arranged on a grid, rather than a mirror image. 
         [0009]    These and further objects will be readily apparent when considering the following disclosure 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In accordance with the invention a three dimensional grid system is provided of various size or shape, used to align and secure sorts with print or emboss shapes including but not limited to symbols, letters, geometric pattern, or other images for use in moveable-type manual relief printing, ink or material transfer printing, or embossing. Sorts are secured within the grid by various mechanical attachments including snaps, spindles, interlocking compatible male and female components or designs in which one component secures the other(s), and including encasement or entrapment where a plate, panel or other component effectively holds the sorts in place. 
         [0011]    In accordance with the invention, the grid is in the form of a plate, block or platen with a series of apertures or protrusions, fixed or variable in size and arrangement, capable of fitting on or through a device intended to apply pressure such as a press, printing press, or die cutting machine. 
         [0012]    As used herein sorts may be blocks, letter pegs or other pins, stakes, sticks or log shapes with a raised character on one side and the other side is capable of fitting into or onto the grid plate. Optional components include blanks or sorts without a raised face intended as a space or place holder within a form. 
         [0013]    The grid allows sorts to be loaded with the non-raised face out so characters appear to the user as they will print. In one embodiment the sorts are provided with fastening devices so that they can be locked in place in the grid. In another embodiment, a plate, preferably transparent, can be added on top of the sorts to secure them into place once they are composed for printing. In both embodiments the sorts are secured for the purpose of printing or other uses. In another embodiment the sorts are provided with holes through them and pins or mandrels pass through conduits in the grid and through the sorts to secure the sorts within the grid. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment sorts are secured into or onto the grid via male and female compatible snap on components. Secured sorts on the grid create a “form” that is mounted onto or in a press, inked and impressed against paper to create a relief printed image. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a typeset device of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the typeset device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a typeset device of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the typeset device of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a sort with the image to be printed oriented to the user as it will appear on a print. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottom of the sort of  FIG. 5  showing the raised print image which is a mirror image of that shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating how the sort of  FIG. 5  is inserted into a grid by a user to format the print layout. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a grid illustrating the image to be printed to the user after the sorts have been inserted as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  illustrated the print side of the grid shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10A  illustrates another embodiment wherein a grid for holding a plurality of sorts is provided with an interlocking cover inserted over a plurality of sorts. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10B  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 10A  wherein the grid is inverted and the cover is put in place when in the grid is in the print position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11A  shows a plurality of sorts with the user viewing sides in contact with the cover;  FIG. 11B  shows an individual sort with a user gripping structure,  FIG. 11C  illustrates a sort which engages and is held in place within the grid; and  FIG. 11D  illustrates a single sort having a continuing print image. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  shows an individual sort having a hole or conduit through it used in another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  illustrates the sort of  FIG. 13  but inverted showing the print side of the sort. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14A  illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein a sort illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is secured within a grid by using pins or mandrels which pass through the walls of the grid and through the holes of the sorts. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14B  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 14A  with a layout of sorts secured within a grid by the use of pins as seen and put in position by the user. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  illustrates the grid of  FIG. 14B  upside down with the sorts shown in the print position within the grid. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  illustrates a sort with a pre-set continuing pattern having dual snaps. 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  illustrates the reverse side of the sort of  FIG. 17 , showing the print surface of the sort. 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  illustrates how the preset sort shown in  FIG. 16  is mounted within the grid. 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  illustrates how a preset continuing pattern sort allows for a simplified setup to complete the desired effect. 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  shows the reverse side of the grid of  FIG. 19  showing the print side of the grid. 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  shows an individual sort having a continuing pattern which extends over several grid apertures and having a hole or conduit through it. 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  illustrates the sort of  FIG. 21  but inverted showing the print side of the sort. 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein a sort having the continuing pattern illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22  is shown being secured within a grid by using pins which pass through the walls of the grid and through the conduits of the sorts. 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 23  with a layout of sorts secured within a grid by the use of pins as seen and put in position by the user. 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  illustrates the grid of  FIG. 24  inverted with the sorts in the print position shown within the grid. 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  illustrates another typesetting embodiment in accordance with the invention wherein sorts with female openings are snap mounted on to male snap pegs formed in a grid. 
           [0043]      FIG. 27A  illustrates a snap peg with a print image which is snap mounted into the grid of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 27B  shows the female opening in the reverse side of the snap peg shown in  FIG. 27A . 
           [0045]      FIG. 28A  shows a continuing-image snap peg for inserting in the grid of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 28B  shows the reverse side of the snap peg of  FIG. 28A . 
           [0047]      FIG. 29  shows the formatting of the grid of  FIG. 26  with snap pegs. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    Novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration description only and are not intended as definitions of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are recited with particularity in the claims. 
         [0049]    There has been broadly outlined more important features of the invention in the summary above and in order that the detailed description which follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be appreciated. 
         [0050]    There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore, that claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0051]    Certain terminology and the derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similar words such as “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. Reference in the singular tense include the plural and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4  are top views of typeset devices  10 , each comprising a structured grid  12  having a plurality of apertures  14  which extend from the top or layout side  16  to the bottom or print side  18 . The sorts  20  shown in the grid  12  are letter pegs or sorts which extend through the apertures  14  which create a full word when mounted in the correct sequence. In  FIGS. 1 and 2  the three sorts  20  have fonts which form the words “A CAT” and in  FIGS. 3 and 4  form the words A THANKS! As explained later in greater detail the sort THANKS! is a continuing sort. 
         [0053]    In  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the fonts on the pegs  20  are oriented normally on the layout side as assembled by the user,  FIGS. 1 and 3 , and as mirror images in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , of the print side. “Mirror image” as used herein can also be synonymous with the terms “backward image”, “reverse image” and “inverse image” on the print side,  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Sorts  20  can be any block or peg with a raised image used individually, or in any combination to create a pattern, text or other graphic effect. 
         [0054]    The grid layouts in  FIGS. 1-4  may typically be for a 4″×6″ typeset grid. It should be understood that this represents the grid concept for illustrative purposes, and other size options including 3″×5″, 2″×3″, 8.5″×11″ or non-quadrilateral shapes such as circles, triangles and ovals may be used as well. A wide variety of font size options and grid spacing can be accommodated with the same functionality. 
         [0055]    With a structured grid  12  fewer pieces are required and the process to align and secure sorts  20  is simplified. The time and skill necessary to complete and achieve the desired printed effect is greatly reduced. The grid plate  20  can be milled, carved, molded or forged from a variety of materials including wood, metals, plastics, stone or composite materials. 
         [0056]    In  FIGS. 1-4  the sorts  20  shown in the grid  12  is a word peg which displays a complete word or phrase. The word peg font is oriented as it would normally be read on the layout side by the user,  FIGS. 1 and 3 , and backwards or a mirror image to that for printing as it is read on the print side,  FIGS. 2 and 4 . A combination of letter and word pegs is used to create a desired layout effect. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a sort  20  in the shape of a block or peg snap, locks or otherwise secures it onto or into the grid  12  as shown in  FIG. 7 . One side of the peg has an image of the character or form as it will be viewed by the user, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Another side of the peg has a raised image of the character as it will print which protrudes beyond the grid when secured, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0058]    Sorts  20  are mounted with dual snaps  22  and  24  into the typeset grid base  20 . The layout side of the grid allows the user to assemble each sort  20  into the pattern of sorts as desired to appear on the imprinted media, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The sorts are secured onto or into the grid plate  12  without the need for furniture, lead spacers or other spacers to achieve the desired alignment. Further securing elements like a chase lock are not necessary, since the sorts and grid male/female components secure them. Once the desired text, pattern or other imagery is achieved with the arrangement of sorts they are optionally inked and pressed onto a substrate capable of accepting ink or being relieved through pressure like paper, cardstock, metal, leather, wood using a press, printing press, die cut machine or other device intend to apply pressure. 
         [0059]    There is no need to secure the sorts or form with adhesive, magnetic attraction, or other material to prevent the sort  20  arrangement from moving. Secured sorts on the grid create a “form” that is mounted onto or in a press, inked and impressed against paper to create a relief printed image. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the open grid design and snap pegs allows for the desired layout to be set and viewed as it will appear printed. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the reverse view necessary for printing is on the opposite side of the grid. This eliminates the need for the user to set the desired pattern in mirror image. Sorts  20  are further held in place by a set of tabs  26  on the viewing side of sort  20  which engage the edges  28  of the apertures  14  formed in the grid  12 . 
         [0061]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a grid and cover can be used to secure sorts into place after layout is complete. Referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a grid  12 ′ is provided with aperatures  14 ′ in which the user inserts sorts  20 ′ to form the print image the user desires.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  the view to the user how the print side will print the image. The grid  12 ′ is removeably inserted within a cover  30 . The cover  30  can be made of a transparent material to aid the user to see what the print format will be. 
         [0062]    The grid  12 ′ and cover  30  are interlocking or otherwise connected whereas the cover  30  is able to slide along the length of the grid  16 ′ and away from the grid  12 ′ to allow the cover to pivot and rest on either side of the grid as shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         [0063]    The layout side of sorts  20 ′ are slightly larger in length or width or both than the grid aperture to form a rest ridge  31 , allowing them to drop into the type setting grid and rest on the structure of the grid while the cover is pivoted in a position to expose the typesetting grid as shown in  FIG. 11A . The rest ridge  31  is shown in  FIGS. 11B and 11C .  FIG. 11D  shows a single sort  20 ′with continuing multiple print characters forming, in this case, the word THANKS. Sort  20 ′ has a small ledge  31  to rest on the grid  12 ′. 
         [0064]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a single sort or character block. The letter B is the mirror or reversed image, seen by the user, of the character image of the raised print character  32  on the bottom of the sort  20 ′. A finger grip  34  is built into the sort for handling by the user. 
         [0065]    Once a layout is complete, the cover  30  slides and pivots along the grid  12 ′ to a position on the opposite side of the grid locking the sorts into place and exposing the printing side of the sorts as shown in  FIG. 10B and 11A . The sorts are easily freed from the grid after use by returning the cover to the printing side of the grid and either inverting the grid so that the sorts fall out or removing the sorts individually. This configuration makes breaking down the Typeset Grid setup faster, as each peg does not need to be unsnapped separately. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Shown is a perspective view of a sort  20 ″ which is an alternative to snapped sorts or pegs.  FIG. 12  illustrates sort  20 ″ with the view of the print image seen by the user and  FIG. 13  illustrates the opposite side of the sort  20 ″ of  FIG. 12 , showing the mirror image and the raised print surface. 
         [0067]    Sorts  20 ″ are provided with tubes or conduits passing longitudinally through each sort  20 ″. As shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  pegs or mandrels pass through exterior and interior holes  40  in grid  12 ″. As shown in  FIG. 14A  the user views the mirror image of the bottom print side of the sort, making it easier to layout the sorts as desired. Once the layout is in place, pegs  38  are passed through the exterior and interior holes  40  of grid  12 ″ as well as through the aligned conduits  36  of the sorts inserted in the grid  16 ″. The completed layout is shown in  FIG. 14B . 
         [0068]    The pin configuration shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  makes breaking down the typeset grid setup fast, as each peg does not need to be unsnapped separately. As pin  38  is removed all of the sorts  20 ″ associated with the pin slide out and become detached. It also creates additional space on the print side of the peg as snap features are not present, as shown in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 . 
         [0069]    The open grid design and pinned pegs of this embodiment allows for the desired layout to be set and viewed as it will appear printed as shown in  FIG. 14B  with the reverse view necessary for printing set on the opposite side of the grid as shown in  FIG. 15 . This eliminates the need for the user to set the desired pattern in mirror image. 
         [0070]    Sorts or pegs don&#39;t have to be capable of printing only a single letter, number or symbol. Pegs with a preset continuing pattern such as a design or word can be mounted in all of the embodiments described herein. Further description is provided for such sorts mounted with a dual snap feature in the same manner as described for  FIGS. 1-7  above.  FIG. 16  illustrates a sort  20 ′ with a preset continuing pattern having dual snaps  22 ′ on each end of the sort  20 ″′ It is mounted in the grid with its top  42  illustrating to the user what the print will look like. The top  44  side of  FIG. 17  illustrates the reverse side of sort  20 ″′ shown in  FIG. 16  with the mirror image of “Thanks!”. This is the print side of the sort. 
         [0071]    This allows for a simplified set up to complete the desired effect as shown in  FIG. 18 . The layout side  42  is viewed with the inverse print image appearing on the print side  44  of the grid  12  as showed in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , continuing pattern pegs  20 ″′ are mounted with a pin feature in the same manner as described above for  FIGS. 12, 13, 14A, 14B and 15 . One side of the peg  50  appears to the user as the image will be printed,  FIG. 21 , and the other side  52  shows the inverse image for printing,  FIG. 22 . A pin or mandrel  38  is passed through conduits in the walls of the grid  12 ″ and the hole in the continuing pattern peg  20 ″, securing it into the grid,  FIG. 23 . The layout side of the grid is set by the user as the pattern appears in  FIG. 24 . The inverse image for printing is preset on the print side  52  of the grid  12 ″ as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 26-29  illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Snap pegs or sorts are mounted into the typeset grid base on standing posts. This is a simple mounting technique, although it does not allow for a two sided layout/print configuration, so text and image layout must be done in reverse. 
         [0074]    Using a grid with male and female compatible components alignment is achieved without the need for additional spacers. Additionally, the interlocking compatibility of the male and female components secure the sorts within the desired location of the work up. 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 26 , a grid base  60  is provided with a plurality of standing male posts  62  each having a generally square or rectangle cross section. Posts  62  are used to set and secure image and character pegs, snaps or sorts  64  as shown in  FIGS. 27A and 27B . Snap pegs  64  have a raised image  66  for printing on one side  68  as shown in  FIG. 27A . On the other side  70  of snap peg  64  is a compatible female embrasure or opening  72  as shown in  FIG. 27B . 
         [0076]      FIG. 28A  illustrates a peg  70  with a continuing pattern or image  72 .  FIG. 28B  illustrates the opposite side  74  of peg  70  showing a plurality of female openings  72 .  FIG. 29  shows the layout of both single image pegs  64  and continuing pattern pegs  70  in the grid  60 . The female openings  72  of each of the pegs are snap mounted within the chosen male posts  62 . 
         [0077]    Continuing pattern or image snap pegs allow for imagery to extend across male post components with one peg as shown in  FIG. 29 . In this embodiment fewer components and process steps are required to create a work-up. Customization and flexible use of the entire printable space are preserved. 
         [0078]    Desired printed imagery must be set in mirror image on the grid for impression onto media as shown in  FIG. 29 . A grid with female openings and pegs or snaps with compatible male components can also be used. 
         [0079]    Any device requiring consistent alignment of one or more interchangeable and arrangeable components could benefit from the grid and compatible block or peg system. This is particularly true if the components&#39; sets are intended to be used in conjunction with a repetitive mechanical process. 
         [0080]    It is to be understood that all of the grid and sorts of the typesetting devices described herein leave an impression which can be used for creating printed or pressed materials like stationary, clays, fabrics, or leather components. All of which can be further used to create clothing, jewelry, accessories, or other custom items. Casts to be used in other mechanical or repetitive processes can also be created. 
         [0081]    The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensions, relationships, or operations as described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed as suitable without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. Therefore, the above description and illustration should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.