Abstract:
A method and apparatus for imprinting text on items such as tools. The imprinting process involving employing a roll forging assembly including a large-sized roller plate and a multi-angle vise.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to marking and more particularly to marking tools and tool bits with identifying information. 
         [0002]    Tools and other products are conventionally marked with product and identification information. For example, a product might be stamped with a trademark or logo for the purpose of identifying the source of the product. Moreover, items might be marked with product numbers or notice information such as patent numbers and copyright information. 
         [0003]    In the area of tools, it has been found useful to mark items with product source information as well as size indicators. The user of sockets and other tool bits can benefit greatly from such markings. That is, rather than searching for the correct tool or attempting various sizes of unmarked tools, a person can rely on the size markings imprinted on an item to quickly identify the proper tool for the job. 
         [0004]    It has been found, however, that tools and related items typically have size marking which are too small to see easily. This is especially the case in work areas lacking sufficient lighting. 
         [0005]    The conventional process to make tools has also been found to have inherent problems and associated shortcomings. That is, typical tool marking processes involves the use of roll forging equipment. Conventional roll forging equipment includes a fixed angle tooling vise and a relatively small roller plate between which tools to be marked are advanced. The forces generated by the cooperation of the vise and roller plate result in creating a desired imprint in a tool. However, such imprinting can cause unwanted deformation in an item especially where there is an attempt to create larger markings. This problem can be exacerbated when employing a fixed angle vise. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for imprinting tools and other items with easily readable text which taking an approach to minimize deformation or damage to the items. The present invention satisfies these and other needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for imprinting items. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with marking tools with enlarged information. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, tools such as sockets are contemplated to be marked with source information as well as enlarged size information. The approach to so marking tools necessarily involves avoiding undesired deformation to the item to be stamped. 
         [0009]    In a particular aspect, the apparatus for stamping tools is roll forging equipment including a roller plate and a multi-angle vise. The roller plate is larger than conventional roller plates so that greater forces can be used to imprint tools. Additionally, the multi-angle vise provides a mechanism to imprint tools while avoiding undesired deformation. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the present invention is adapted to print information on a socket device. The information is imprinted in a high visibility format so that text such as sizing information can be more easily read by a user. The approach also accomplishes avoiding damage to chrome plating of the socket. 
         [0011]    In one specific approach, a socket is first formed using a cold forging process and then machined to size requirements and cleaned using ultra sonic vibration. The socket is then plated with chromium and nickel. Next, the socket is imprinted by rolling the text information into the plating at high pressure and thereafter cleaned. 
         [0012]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view, depicting one side of a tool imprinted with high visibility markings; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view, depicting another side of the tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, depicting a high visibility stamp; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view, depicting one embodiment of an apparatus for imprinting tools. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Turning now to the figures, which are provided for example and not by way of limitation, the present invention is embodied in a method and apparatus providing high visibility markings on an item. The shortcomings inherent in prior approaches are addressed by employing roll forging equipment configured to include a multi-angle vise cooperating with a relatively larger roller plate. 
         [0018]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a tool marked with high visibility markings. Although a number of tools can be marked pursuant to the present invention,  FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a socket marked with a ⅝″ size indicator  12  as well as text  14 . The text  14  can be a company name or logo or can be other identifying source language or a patent or copyright notice. The size indicator can be any relevant size information in any unit of measurement. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a typical stamp tooling  20  which can be utilized to imprint the socket shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The stamp tool  20  includes a raised high visibility size indicator  22  as well as raised letters pertaining to a particular text  24  which is desirable to stamp on a tool. 
         [0020]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown one embodiment of a roll forging apparatus  30  of the present invention. Attached hereto in Appendix A are photos of a typical assembly of the present invention. The roll forging apparatus  30  is configured to make tools with high visibility and other text information. In general, the roll forging apparatus  30  includes a roller plate  32  and a multi-angle vise  34 . The multi-angle vise  34  further includes stamp holding and retaining structure  36  which receives a stamp  20  to be used to mark a tool such as a socket  10 . 
         [0021]    The roller plate  32  of the present invention is larger in diameter than conventional roller plates. The motor (not shown) which drives the roller plate is also larger and has a greater power output than conventional roller plate motors. In this way, greater forces can be generated and sustained by the roller plate assembly  32  of the present invention. 
         [0022]    The forces imparted in the stamping process are provided by the juxtaposition of the roller plate  32  and the multi-angle vise  34 . The distance between the roller plate  32  and multi-angle vise  34  can be adjusted for a particular tool, the gap being used for smaller tools than for larger tools. 
         [0023]    It has been recognized that a greater force is required to mark a tool with high visibility information such as tooling size  12  as opposed to other text information  14  (See  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Moreover, precise control of the stamping force is necessary to avoid deforming the tool being marked or damaging the plates thereof. Accordingly, the roll forging apparatus  30  of the present invention is provided with structure for spilling forces. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the multi-angle vise  34  is equipped with at least one spring  40 . The spring  40  is used to spill forces being generated between the roller plate  32  and the multi-angle vise  34 . That is, the spring  40  provides the assembly with a recession feature such that there is greater recession associated with the stamping of text  14  as opposed to high visibility size marking  12 , for example. Accordingly, unwanted deformation and/or damage to plating of a tool can be avoided. 
         [0025]    In practice, a tool identified for stamping such as a socket, is formed using a cold forging process. The socket is then machined to size and cleaned ultrasonically. Next, the socket is plated with material such as chromium and nickel. Finally, the socket can be imprinted by roll forging. 
         [0026]    Sockets  10  can be placed in a loading bay  42  configured adjacent and about the roller plate  32 . The loading bay  42  is angled so that gravity facilitates a socket  10  to be advanced between the roller plate  32  and multi-angle vise  34 . 
         [0027]    The roller plate  32  has a ledge  44  associated therewith for receiving sockets  10  or other tools as well as a generally vertical and circular side wall  46 . As the motor caused the roller plate  32  to rotate, sockets  10  or other tools are further advanced between and beyond the space between the roller plate  32  and the multi-angle vise  34 . As a particular tool is advanced between the stamp mounting structure  36  and the roller plate  32 , forces generated by the spatial relationship between the stamp  20  and the roller plate sidewall  46  result in generating an imprint in the tool. As stated, the precise spacing and spill force spring  40  provide the necessary force and recessive force required to mark the tool without undesirably deforming or damaging the tool. 
         [0028]    Once the marked tool  10  passes beyond the stamping station of the roll forge apparatus  30 , the ledge  44  of the roller plate  32  transports the tool  10  to an exit shoot  50 . The exit shoot  50  can be angled to deliver the socket  10  to a storage bin for collection. 
         [0029]    Therefore, the present invention provides a new and useful approach for roll forge stamping of tools with high visibility and other markings. By using a multi-angle vise including structures providing recession forces, varying forcing stamping can be accomplished. 
         [0030]    Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without the parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.