Patent Publication Number: US-6708614-B2

Title: Stamping device

Description:
This is a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/556,926 filed Apr. 21, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,140 which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/353,115 filed Jul. 14, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,046. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to hand stamping devices and the method of making same. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel hand stamping apparatus having a substantially transparent, hand-held mounting block to which a substantially transparent printing element or die can be removably affixed without the use of adhesives. In using the device the printing element can be clearly viewed through the transparent mounting block and the surface to be imprinted can be viewed through the printing element so that the indicia formed on the printing element can be precisely positioned relative to the surface to be imprinted. 
     2. Discussion of the Invention 
     Hand stamp devices of many different configurations have been suggested in the past. The classic hand stamp comprises a rubber stamp die that is fixedly mounted on a wooden block to which a bulb shaped wooden handle is attached. Such hand stamps are traditionally used with an ink pad which applies ink to the indicia formed on the die prior to each stamping operation. The printing element or pattern bearing surface is typically made of rubber. 
     In recent years a number of different types of hand stamps having elaborate pattern-bearing, ink-receiving surfaces have been suggested. These types of hand stamps may be used to print a wide variety of decorative images on envelopes, stationery and the like. However, because the pattern-bearing surface cannot be seen through the stamp supporting block or handle it is virtually impossible to precisely position the pattern on the surface to be imprinted. Similarly, prior art hand stamp devices having indicia in the form of legends such as words and numbers are difficult to use because the user cannot see the indicia and therefore cannot accurately position it on the surface to be imprinted. 
     The prior are ink stamp device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,667 issued to Sastre partially solves the stamp positioning problem discussed in the preceding paragraphs by providing a translucent handle and base through which the imprinting element is visible. However, because the imprinting element itself is not transparent, precise positioning of the indicia on the imprinting element remains difficult. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,495 issued to Rowe also discloses a hand stamp comprising a transparent base through which a proof of the impression is visible to the user. However, like the Sastre device, the printing element itself is not transparent. 
     The thrust of the present invention is to provide an improved hand-held ink stamp in which both the mounting block and the imprinting element that is removably affixed thereto without the use of adhesives are substantially transparent so that the indicia formed on the imprinting element can be seen clearly and precisely positioned on the surface to be imprinted. 
     Additionally, in one form of the present invention, the mounting block is uniquely formed so as to magnify the indicia formed on the imprinting element when viewed through the convex upper surface of the mounting block. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel hand stamp and method of making the same which is of an elegantly simple construction that includes a substantially transparent acrylic mounting block to which a substantially transparent printing element is removably affixed without the use of adhesives. With this construction, when the device is used, the indicia formed on the printing element can be clearly viewed through the mounting block, and the printing surface can be clearly viewed through the printing element. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a hand stamp of the aforementioned character in which the sides of the mounting block are provided with finger gripping means so that the stamp can be conveniently gripped by the user. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a hand stamp of the character described in the preceding paragraphs in which the mounting block includes a convex upper surface which magnifies the indicia formed on the printing element when the printing element is affixed to the lower planar surface of the mounting block. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a hand stamp of the type described in the preceding paragraphs in which the substantially transparent printing element is formed from a photopolymer and is resiliently deformable so that it can be selectively removably affixed to either the convex surface or the planar surface of the mounting block. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a hand stamp of the class described in which a plurality of substantially transparent individual printing elements can be removably affixed to either of the surfaces of the mounting block. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a hand stamp of the character described in the preceding paragraphs in which the stamping element is bounded by an upstanding edge portion to which ink can be applied from an ink pad or the like. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a method for making hand stamps of the character described in which the die or stamping element is constructed in a novel manner from a substantially transparent photo polymer. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a method as described in the preceding paragraph in which the die or stamping element is uniquely formed to exhibit a novel adhering surface that will permit the die to be removably affixed to a smooth surface without the need for conventional adhesives. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a generally perspective, exploded top view of one form of the hand stamp device of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an end view of the device illustrated FIG.  1  and shown in engagement with the surface to be imprinted. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a generally perspective, exploded bottom view of the device of the invention showing the printing element removably affixed to the convex surface of the mounting block. 
     FIG. 5 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 4 illustrating the manner of its use to imprint indicia onto a printing surface by means of a rocking motion. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the device illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the form of the device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  8 — 8  of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view of the area designated in FIG. 8 by the numeral  9 . 
     FIG. 10 is a generally diagrammatic view illustrating the magnifying capability of the device. 
     FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alternate form of the stamping device showing a plurality of dies affixed to the mounting block. 
     FIG. 12 is a generally perspective view of one form of the exposure and photopolymer disposition unit used in the practice of the method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a generally perspective view illustrating various component parts used in the accomplishment of one form of the method of the invention. 
     FIGS. 14 and 14A when considered together comprise a side-elevational view partly in cross section of the components shown in FIG. 13 stacked within the exposure unit shown in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view similar to  14 A illustrating the deposition step wherein the photopolymer is deposited onto the stacked array shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A. 
     FIG. 16 is a plan view, partly broken away to better show the relationship among the components shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings. 
     FIG. 17 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view illustrating the exposure of the photopolymer with ultraviolet rays from the plurality of ultraviolet lamps of the exposure unit. 
     FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, generally perspective, diagrammatic view illustrating the separation of certain of the components used in the accomplishment of the method of the invention following radiation of the photopolymer in the manner shown in FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 19 is a generally perspective, diagrammatic view illustrating the washing step wherein the precursor printing elements are washed to remove unexposed photopolymer. 
     FIG. 20 is a generally perspective, fragmentary view of a portion of the printing element array following the washing step. 
     FIG. 21 is a side-elevational view of an alternate form of stamping device of the invention showing the method of removably affixing the stamp die of the invention to the smooth, mirror-like lower surface of the stamping device. 
     FIGS. 22,  22 A,  22 B and  22 C when considered together illustrate an alternate form of hand stamp apparatus of the invention for producing a multicolored image on a surface using a plurality of cooperating stamping elements. 
     FIG. 23 is an enlarged, bottom plan view illustrating the printing element shown in FIG. 22 affixed to the mounting block for use in producing a first image on the printing surface. 
     FIG. 24 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  24 — 24  of FIG.  23 . 
     FIG. 25 is a plan view of the image produced on the printing surface by the apparatus shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. 
     FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view showing the printing element of FIG. 22A affixed to the mounting block for producing an indexed image of another color on the printing surface. 
     FIG. 27 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  27 — 27  of FIG.  26 . 
     FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view showing the stamping element of FIG. 22B affixed to the mounting block for use in producing an indexed image of still another color. 
     FIG. 29 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  29 — 29  of FIG.  28 . 
     FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view showing the stamping element of FIG. 22C affixed to the mounting block for producing an indexed image of yet another color. 
     FIG. 31 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  31 — 31  of FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of yet another form of the printing apparatus of the invention wherein the stamp element includes a body portion and first and second segments adjustably connected to the body portion. 
     FIGS. 33,  34  and  35 , when considered together, show a plurality of stamping elements for producing various composite images on a printing surface. 
     FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view illustrating a selected one of the stamping element of FIGS. 33,  34 , and  35  removably connected to a mounting block. 
     FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view illustrating a selected three of the stamping elements of FIGS. 33,  34 , and  35  removably interconnected to a mounting block. 
     FIG. 38 is a generally perspective exploded view of a form of the invention which is somewhat similar to that shown in FIG.  1  and earlier described herein. 
     FIG. 39 is a plan view of one form of the storage device of the invention for storing and transporting the viscoelastic printing elements. 
     FIG. 40 is a generally perspective view of the storage device shown in FIG.  39 . 
     FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  41 — 41  of FIG.  39 . 
     FIG. 42 is a generally perspective view illustrating various component parts used in the accomplishment of an alternate form of the method of the invention. 
     FIGS. 43 and 43A when considered together comprise a side-elevational view partly in cross section of the components shown in FIG. 42 stacked within the exposure unit of the invention. 
     FIG. 44 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view similar to  43 A illustrating the deposition step wherein the photopolymer is deposited onto the stacked array shown in FIGS.  43  and  43 A. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly FIGS. 1 through 3, one form of the stamping device of the invention is there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  14 . The device here comprises a substantially transparent, rigid, plastic mounting block  16  having a mirror polished, convex top surface  16   a,  a generally planar, mirror polished bottom surface  16   b,  and spaced-apart sides  16   c.  As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 each of the spaced-apart sides  16   c  is provided with gripping means shown here as finger gripping portions  18 . Mounting block  16  can be formed of various plastics but a clear acrylic has proven satisfactory. 
     In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , a substantially transparent imprinting element or die  20  is removably affixed to bottom surface  16   b  in the manner indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Imprinting element  20  is preferably formed of a photopolymer such as a liquid polyester that will polymerize when exposed to ultraviolet light. Element  20  is resiliently deformable and includes a generally planar, adhesive coated first side  20   a  and a spaced-apart second surface  20   b  (FIG.  1 ). As best seen by referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, second surface  20   b  is provided with upstanding ink receiving portions  24 , which portions define the details of the stamped impression. As best seen by referring to FIG. 7, portions of the upstanding ink receiving portions, or ribs  24 , circumscribe the periphery of the printing element and define the outer limits of the indicia that will be imprinted on the surface “S” which receives the inked impression (FIG.  9 ). Portions  24  can be inked using conventional ink pads containing conventional inks or water soluble inks. When water soluble inks are used, the ink will readily evaporate returning the printing element to its transparent condition. 
     As depicted in FIG. 10, when an imprinting element, such as element  26 , is affixed to the bottom surface  16   b  of the mounting block  16 , the convex upper surface  16   a  of the mounting block  16  functions to magnify the image  26   a  which is imprinted on the imprinted surface “S”. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 10, when the imprinted indicia, generally designated in FIG. 10 by the numeral  26 , is viewed through the mounting block  16  as indicated in the left-hand portion of FIG. 10, the image to be imprinted will be somewhat magnified, that is larger in size than indicia  26   a,  to enable better viewing of the details of the stamped indicia. When the stamping element includes highly detailed decorative features, this aspect of the invention is very useful. 
     Turning next to FIGS. 4,  5  and  6 , another highly novel feature of the present invention is there illustrated. More particularly, as illustrated in these figure drawings, the transparent imprinting element  20  can also be affixed to the convex upper surface  16   a  of the block so that the image can be imprinted onto the surface “S” by a rolling or rocking motion imparted to the mounting block in the manner illustrated in FIG.  5 . Because of the resilient nature of the imprinting element  20 , the element will smoothly conform to the convex surface  16   a  so as to produce a clear image such as image  26   a  on the printed surface “S”. 
     Referring next to FIG. 11, it is to be observed that a plurality of highly detailed imprinting elements, such as elements  28  and  30 , can be removably affixed to either surface  16   a  or  16   b  of mounting block  16 . As previously discussed, when the imprinting elements are removably affixed to generally planar surface  16   b,  the indicia provided on the imprinting elements will be magnified when viewed through the mounting block in the direction of the arrows of FIG.  7 . Because the mounting block is substantially transparent as are each of the imprinting elements  20 ,  28 , and  30 , it is at once apparent that the images to be formed on the imprinted surface “S” can be clearly viewed and precisely located and arranged on the surface “S” with great ease. When the imprinting elements comprise legends such as numbers and letters, the ability to view the precise location of the legends on each of the stamps is extremely important and, for example, enables the legends to be precisely positioned over a line or between lines provided on the surface “S”. Additionally, when intricate designs are formed on the imprinting element, such as those illustrated in FIG. 11, the precise location of the details of each image can be precisely positioned on the surface “S”. 
     While the imprinting elements  20 ,  28  and  30  can be constructed of various materials, the aforementioned photopolymer material is preferred. Such material is readily commercially available from several sources such as The Louis Melind Company, Inc. of Skokie, Ill. and the printing elements themselves can be formed by ultraviolet curing in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. Additionally, a suitable adhesive “A” (FIG. 1) can be applied to surface  20   a  in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the printing element can be constructed from a suitable polymer that exhibits viscoelastic characteristics that enables the printing element to be removably affixed to either the convex or planar surfaces of the mounting block without the use of an adhesive “A”. These viscoelastic polymers in effect exhibit a multiplicity of very small suction-cup like protuberances which releasably grip the smooth surfaces of the mounting block. 
     Referring now to FIG. 12, one form of the apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  50 . Apparatus  50 , which is readily commercially available from various sources including the MacDermid Company of Wilmington, Del., comprises a housing  52  which includes an internal chamber  54  (FIG.  14 ). The top opening and of chamber  54  is closed by a glass panel  56 . Disposed within chamber  54  and located directly below glass panel  56  is a first bay of lamps  58  comprising a plurality of ultraviolet lamps  58   a,  the purpose of which will presently be described. Hingedly connected to housing  52  is a cover assembly  60  which includes an internal chamber  62  that is, covered by a glass panel  64  (FIG.  14 ). Disposed within chamber  62  is a second bay of lamps  66  comprising plurality of ultraviolet lamps  66   a.    
     When cover assembly  60  is moved in from the position shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 14 to the position shown by the solid lines in FIG. 14, a glass panel  64  is moved into close proximity with glass panel  56 . For reasons presently to be described, cover assembly  60  further includes an opaque screen  61  (FIG. 14) that can be moved from a retracted position to an expanded position wherein it covers glass panel  64  and prevents radiation from ultraviolet lamps  66   a  from passing there through. Also forming a part have apparatus  50  is a deposition means for controllably depositing onto a grid element the liquid photopolymer “P” used to form of the die or printing element of the hand stamp of the invention. The construction and operation of this deposition means will be described in the paragraphs that follow. 
     Turning next to FIGS. 13, the various components used in the accomplishment of one form of the method of the invention are there illustrated. These components include a first negative  70  having formed thereon of the various art work images  72  which are to be produced by the hand stamp on an ink receiving surface and an image border  72   a  circumscribing the images. More particularly, on first negative  70 , the various art work images  72  are clear while the area  72   a  surrounding the images is opaque (FIG.  16 ). Another component used in the accomplishment one form of the method of the invention comprises a thin, substantially transparent protective film  76 . Superimposed over protective film  76  and negative  70  is a uniquely configured grid  78  having a multiplicity of openings  80  formed therein. In a manner presently to be described, openings  80  cooperate with thin film  76  to form a plurality of top open chambers  82  (FIG.  15 ). After chambers  82  are filled with the liquid photopolymer, in a manner presently to be described, a second substantially transparent thin film  84  is overlayed over the filled chambers. Overlaying second thin film  80  is a second negative  86 , which is used to trim each of the printing elements. More particularly, second negative  86 , which is also created using the original art work, has clear areas  86   a  corresponding in size and shape to the backs of the printing elements and opaque areas  86   b  surrounding the clear areas (FIG.  16 ). 
     One form of the method of the invention for making the hand stamp of the invention comprises two steps, namely the step of constructing the printing element that has the image to be imprinted on the smooth surface and the step of interconnecting the printing element with the smooth surface of the body portion  87   a  of the hand stamp  87  (FIG.  21 ). Considering first the method of constructing the printing element, which has the image to be imprinted on the ink-receiving surface. This important method comprises the steps of first locating negative  70  on glass panel  56  of apparatus  50 . For this purpose first negative  70  is provided with locating apertures  90  at each corner of the negative (FIG.  13 ). Apertures  90  closely receive upstanding locating pins  92  that are affixed to glass panel  56  in the manner shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A. Pins  92  extend upwardly from glass panel  56  so as to enable the precise positioning of grid  78  and second negative  86  in index with first negative  70  in the manner presently to be described and as shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A. For this purpose, grid  78  is provided is corner apertures  94  while second negative  86  is provided with corner apertures  96 , which apertures closely receive locating or index pins  92 . 
     With first negative  70  indexedly located on glass panel  56 , a slight vacuum is produced beneath the negative to urge it into secure engagement with the glass panel. Next, the earlier-mentioned protective transparent film  76  is then superimposed over negative  70 . This done, grid  78  is superimposed over protective film  76  in the manner shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A so that it is in precise index with first negative  70 . With grid  78  positioned over protective film, a plurality of top-open chambers  82  are defined, which chambers are adapted to receive the specially formulated photopolymer used in the accomplishment of the method of the invention. This specially formulated liquid photopolymer is commercially available from M &amp; R Marking Systems, Inc. of Piscathway, N.J. and is sold under the product/chemical name Ideal i 40  and Ideal i 50 . This material is a clear viscous liquid that will solidify or cure upon controlled exposure to ultraviolet light. While chambers  82  of grid  78  can be filled with the liquid photopolymer by any suitable means, in the method of the present invention, they are filled by a reciprocating reservoir  95  which contains the photopolymer “P” and forms a part of the processing apparatus  50  (FIG.  15 ). As indicated in FIG. 15, the photopolymer “P” can be controllably dispensed from reservoir  95  through an outlet  95   a  as the reservoir is rolled over the upper surface of housing  52  along spaced-apart tracks  97  (FIG.  12 ). 
     After chambers  82  have been filled with the liquid photopolymer “P” to form a plurality of precursor printing elements, transparent film  84  is superimposed over the filled grid  78  so as to cover each of the filled chambers  82 . While film  84  can be positioned over filled grid  78  in any suitable manner, apparatus  50  provides a mechanism  99  for emplacing the thin film over the filled grid in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 15. 
     With film  84 , which is preferably a polyester film, positioned over filled grid  78 , second negative  86  is superimposed over film  84  in the manner shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A and is precisely indexed with grid  78  and with first negative  70  by means of the indexing pins  92 . More specifically, with second film  86  properly positioned over the assemblage comprising first negative  70 , protective film  76 , grid  78 , and thin film  84 , the clear areas  86   a  of negative  86  are in precise index with chambers  82  and the opaque areas  86   b  of the negative are in precise index with the image borders that circumscribe stamp element images  72 . 
     With the components stacked in the manner described in the previous paragraph and in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 14A, cover  60  is moved from the position shown in the phantom lines in FIG. 14 to the position shown in the solid lines in FIGS. 14 and 14A. It is important to note that as cover assemblage  60  moves into position a uniform pressure is exerted on negative  86  and, in turn, on polyester film  84  causing a uniform controlled pressure to be applied to the liquid polymer contained within chambers  82 . This pressure functions not only to regulate the thickness of the liquid photopolymer, but also to move polyester film  84  into positive pressural engagement with the liquid photopolymer to thereby produce a very smooth, highly unique, substantially planar shaped precursor engagement surface. 
     With the cover in position over the component assemblage in the manner shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, the ultraviolet bulbs  66   a  housed within cover assemblage  60  are energized so as to pass ultraviolet rays “R-1” through second negative  86  to expose, through clear areas  86 , the precursor printing elements designated in FIG. 17 by the numeral  99 . As ultraviolet rays “R-1” pass through clear areas  86   a  of negative  86 , the liquid photopolymer contained within chambers  82 , or precursor elements  99 , will be activated and will solidify to a predetermined thickness which is dependent upon the exposure time of the photopolymer to the ultraviolet rays. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, this first exposure of the photopolymer by ultraviolet lamps  66   a  forms the printing element engagement surface, or backing surface  100  of the printing element  102  that will later be removably interconnected with the smooth surface  104  of the body portion of the hand stamp  106  in the manner shown in FIG.  21 . 
     Following exposure of the photopolymer by ultraviolet lamps  66   a  for the prescribed period of time, the previously mentioned opaque screen  61  of the exposure unit is moved from a retracted position to an extended position where it covers second negative  86  and obstructs any further ultraviolet exposure of the photopolymer from ultraviolet lamps  66   a.    
     With the opaque screen suitably drawn, the next step in the method of the invention is to energize ultraviolet lamps  58   a  so as to pass ultraviolet rays “R-2” through the clear areas  72  of first negative  70  in a manner to expose the unexposed liquid photopolymer designated in FIG. 17 as “P-2”. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 17, as the ultraviolet rays “R-2” emanating from ultraviolet lamps  58   a  pass through the clear portions  72  of first negative  70 , the liquid polymer “P-2” will be activated and will solidify to form the upraised portions  203   a  of the printing element (see also FIG.  18 ). It is apparent that this second curing step using lamps  58   a  will create a stamp element of the character shown in FIGS. 18 and 20 that comprises the backing surface  100  and the upraised indicia portions  102   a,  which in this instance comprise the images or letters to be imprinted on the printing surface. However, during the second exposure step, it is apparent that the portions of the photopolymer that surround the upraised indicia portions will not be exposed to rays “R-2” and, therefore, will not be activated. These unexposed portions of polymer can be washed away by the washing step of the method next to be described. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 18, following the photopolymer exposure steps, grid  78 , along with the exposed photopolymer and films  76  and  84 , are removed from the exposure unit. Films  76  and  84  are then stripped away from grid  78  in the manner shown in FIG.  18 . As film  84  is separated from grid  78 , the exposed photopolymer, which now comprises the precursor printing element, will adhere to film  84  and will cleanly separate from grid  78 . The assemblage comprising film  84  and the precursor stamped elements is then submerged in a washing tank “WT” which is filled with a washing solution such as water and various chemical solutions. As the assemblage made up of film  84  and precursor stamps  102  is submerged in to tank “WT”, the unexposed liquid photopolymer will wash away leaving the cleanly formed upstanding indicia  102   a  and forming the final printing element  102  having the printing element engagement surface  100  and the upstanding indicia  102   a.    
     Following the washing step each of the plurality of printing elements  102  can be readily peeled away from thin film  84  in the manner illustrated in FIG.  20 . As earlier mentioned, the novel step of pressurally engaging the unexposed liquid photopolymer with the very smooth surface of film  84  produces a highly novel gripping surface comprising a multiplicity of extremely small, microscopic suction cup like elements which enable the printing elements formed by the novel method of the invention to be removably affixed to any smooth surface such as the surface of film  84  and the smooth, microscopic surface  104  of the hand stamp device of the invention (FIG.  21 ). This unique aspect of the method and apparatus of the present invention, permits the formation of printing elements of the character shown in FIG. 20 wherein the backing portion of the stamp is precisely trimmed to coincide with the edges of the upright indicia  102   a.  Unlike the prior art stamping elements, which require a base flange that extends beyond the perimeter of the upstanding indicia elements to enable successful adhesive bonding of the stamping element to the hand stamp body, such extending flange is neither necessary, nor desired in the hand stamp of the present invention. This elimination of the adhesive carrying flange not only saves expensive photopolymer material, but also, due to the unique nature of the backing surface  100  of the stamp elements, no messy and expensive adhesive need be used to affix the stamp element  102  to the finger-gripping portion of the hand stamp  87 . Further and of equal importance, this novel aspect of the invention permits the printing elements to be readily removed from, or adjusted relative to, any smooth surface such as smooth surface  104  of the hand stamp  87 . This unique removability and adjustability feature of the present invention is nowhere found in the prior art which requires a backing flange that is affixed to the surface of the hand stamp to enable application of a bonding adhesive. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 22,  22 A,  22 B and  22 C, one form of a hand stamp apparatus of the present invention for producing a composite image on a printing surface is there shown. This form of the apparatus comprises a transparent, acrylic mounting block  110  having a smooth surface  110   a  and a first, substantially transparent, base imprint stamp element  112  removably affixed to smooth surface  110   a.  As will presently be described, first stamp element  112  produces a first, or base imprint image on a selected portion of the printing surface which image comprises an outline  114  of the character shown in FIG.  25 . As indicated in FIG. 25, outline  114  circumscribes a plurality of openings  116 ,  118  and  120  which are of different shapes and to which color is imparted by the remaining stamp elements depicted in FIGS. 22A,  22 B and  22 C. These stamp elements, which are designated respectively by the numerals  122 ,  124  and  126 , are substantially transparent and, in a manner presently to be described, can be sequentially moved into index with the first image defined by the outline  114  (FIG.  25 ). 
     Referring particularly to FIGS. 23 and 24, stamp element  112  can be seen to comprise a first or upper surface  112   a  that is provided with a multiplicity of very small, almost microscopic, suction-like elements or protuberances which releasably grip smooth surface  110   a  of mounting block  110  in a manner shown in FIG.  24 . As indicated in FIG. 24, stamp element  112  includes a second or lower surface  112   b  that comprises a plurality of upstanding surface engaging, rib-like protuberances  112   c.  In use, when surfaces  112   b  of protuberances  112   c  are inked through the use of a conventional ink pad, and are placed in contact with the surface to be printed, a pressure exerted on mounting block  110  will cause the outline  114  to be imprinted on the printing surface in the manner shown in FIG. 25 with the ink from the stamping element being deposited onto the surface along the outlines designated in FIG. 25 by the numeral  114 . 
     Once the first image is imprinted onto the printing surface in the manner shown in FIG. 25, the openings  116 ,  118 , and  120  are next imprinted with various colors in sequential fashion using printing elements  122 ,  124  and  126 . More particularly, after the first image is formed on the surface to be imprinted, printing element  112  is removed from surface  110   a  and printing element  122  is affixed to surface  110   a  in its place through the use of the multiplicity of small, suction-like elements or protuberances formed on upper surface  112   a  of stamp element  122 . 
     Turning next to FIGS. 26 and 27, it is to be noted that stamp element  122  has a second or lower surface  122   b  that is defined by downwardly extending, riblike protuberances  122   c.  As indicated in FIG. 26, protuberances  122   c  have the general shape of openings  116  (FIG.  25 ). With this construction, when stamping element  122  is affixed to mounting block  110  in the manner shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, surfaces  122   b  of protuberances  122   c  can be inked with of a first color ink by pressurally engaging surfaces  122   b  against a stamp pad having the first color, ink, as for example the color yellow. Once surfaces  122   b  have been inked, stamp element  122  can be precisely aligned with openings  116  of the first image formed on the printing surface by viewing the first imprint shown in FIG.  25  through the clear acrylic mounting block  110 . When surfaces  122   b  have been precisely indexed with the openings  116  formed on the printing surface, a downward pressure exerted on the mounting block  110  will cause the colored ink to be transferred to surfaces  116  thereby precisely coloring these surfaces with the first color, such as the color yellow. 
     Following the coloring opening  116 , stamp element  122  can be removed from surface  110   a  from the mounting block and third stamping element  124  can be affixed in its place to surface  110   a  of the mounting block in the manner shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. Stamping element  124 , like stamping element  112  and  122 , has a first upper surface  124   a  that includes a multiplicity of microscopic suction-cup-like elements or protuberances which releasably grip surface  110   a  of mounting block  110 . Stamping element  124  also has a second or lower surface  124   b  that is defined by downwardly extending protuberances  124   c  which, as shown in FIG. 28, have the general configurations of openings  118  of the first image as shown in FIG.  25 . With this construction, lower surface  124   b  of stamp element  124  can be inked using an ink pad having a third color such as, for example, the color blue. Then by indexably aligning protuberances  124   c  with opening  118  of the first image, the second color, or the color blue, can be imprinted onto the areas of openings  118  to form a composite wherein areas  116  are of a first color, such as the color yellow, and areas  118  are of a second color, such as the color blue. Once again, because of the unique transparent character of mounting block  110  and the substantial transparency of printing element  124 , surfaces  124   b  of protuberances  124   c  can be precisely aligned with openings  118  to accurately color these areas with the second color. 
     Once this second coloring step has been completed, stamp element  124  can be removed from mounting block  110  and a fourth stamp element can be affixed in it place in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31. As shown in FIG. 31, printing element  126  also includes a first surface  126   a  which is provided with a multiplicity of microscopic, suction-cup-like protuberances which securely engage smooth surface  110   a  of mounting block  110  in the manner shown in FIG.  31 . Stamping element  126  also includes a second lower surface  126   b  which is defined by downwardly extending protuberances  126   c.  As indicated in FIG. 30, protuberances  126   c  are of the general configuration of openings  120  of the first image that was imprinted on the printing surface. As before, using an appropriate ink pad, surfaces  126   b  are covered with ink of a third color, such as the color red. Once surface  126  is covered with the red ink, printing element  126  can be precisely, indexably aligned with the first image imprinted on the printing surface so that protuberances  126   c  are precisely aligned with openings  120  of the first image shown in FIG.  25 . Once again this precise indexing of printing element  126  is made possible because of the substantial transparency of both the mounting block  110  and the printing element  126 . Once the areas  120  have been imprinted with a third color such as the color red, stamp element  126  can be readily removed from the surface  110   a  of mounting block  110 . Preferably, the inks used in the imprinting process are of a character that will wash away from the inking surfaces of printing elements  112 ,  122 ,  124  and  126  after the passage of a short time interval. This enables reuse of the apparatus to print composite images of the same or a different color. 
     Turning next to FIG. 32, an alternate form of the hand stamp apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  130 . Stamping apparatus  130  includes a substantially transparent mounting block  132  having a smooth surface  132   a  and a stamp element  134  can be removably affixed to smooth surface  132   a  for producing an image on a surface to be imprinted. In this latest form of the invention, stamp element  134  uniquely includes a body portion  134   a  and a plurality of arm and leg-like segments  134   b  that are movably interconnected with body portion  134   a  for selective movement from the first position shown in the solid lines of FIG. 32 to a second position shown by the phantom lines in FIG.  32 . More particularly, because stamping element  134  is uniquely provided with a first surface having a multiplicity of very small suction-cup-like protuberances, body portion  134   a  as well as segments  134   b  can readily be releasably affixed to smooth surface  132   a  of mounting block  132 . However, in this latest form of the invention, once the printing element  134  has been affixed to the mounting block in the manner shown in FIG. 32, one or more of the segments  134   a  and  134   b  can be lifted from surface  132   a  and adjusted relative to body portion  134   a  so as to create a second image different from the first image produced by the stamp element in its first position. In this way, a number of images can be sequentially produced with each image having the arm and leg-like portions  134   b  in a different orientation with respect to body portion  134   a  of the hand stamp. This is not possible with conventional prior art constructions which embody a semi-rigid backing that is not bendable from side to side. 
     Turning next to FIGS. 33 through 37, still another form of hand stamp apparatus of the present invention is there illustrated. This apparatus, like the earlier described apparatus, includes a substantially transparent acrylic mounting block  138  having a smooth surface  138   a  (FIG.  37 ). This latest form of the invention is specifically designed for producing a composite image on a surface to be imprinted and comprises a first substantially transparent stamp element  140  that can be removably affixed to the mounting block, a second substantially transparent stamp element  142  that can be removably affixed to mounting block  138 , and a third stamping element  144  that can be removably affixed to mounting block  138 . As illustrated in FIG. 36, the apparatus of this latest form of the invention can be used to print a single image, such as that shown in FIG.  36  and designated by the numeral  148 , or alternatively, the apparatus can be used to produce a composite image of the character shown in FIG. 37 wherein images corresponding to stamping elements  140 ,  142 , and  144  can be imprinted on a printing surface in the composite arrangement illustrated in FIG.  37 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 33, during the production of other composite images, stamping element  140  can be replaced by either of the stamping elements  140   a  and  140   b  which are here shown as fanciful head portions of the composite shown in FIG.  37 . Similarly, alternate forms of stamping element  142  of the character shown in FIG. 34 can be provided. These elements are designated in FIG. 34 as  142   a  and  142   b.  During the printing step, any one of the elements  142 ,  142   a  and  142   b  can be used to form a composite stamping element of the general character shown in FIG.  37 . In similar fashion, counterpart stamping elements to elements  144  can be provided in the form of the stamping elements designated in FIG. 35 by the numeral  144   a  and  144   b.  A selected one of the elements  144 ,  144   a  and  144   b  can be affixed to the mounting block  138  along with a selected one of stamping elements  140 ,  140   a,    140   b,    142 ,  142   a,  and  142   b  to provide alternate composite images of the general character shown in FIG.  37 . Because of the transparent mounting block  138  and the substantially transparent, readily removable printing elements, each part of the composite image of FIG. 37 can be precisely positioned on the printing surface relative to the other parts of the image. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 38 through 41, another form of apparatus of the invention is there shown. This form of the invention comprises a novel storage device for storing printing elements of the character produced in accordance with the method of the invention. Printing element  150 , shown in FIG. 38, is removably affixed to bottom surface  16   b  of mounting block  16  which is of identical construction to that previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Printing element  150  is resiliently deformable and includes a first side  150   a  and a second side  150   b  that is provided with upstanding ink receiving portions which define the details of the stamped impression. Side  150   a  is of a character produced in accordance with the method of the invention from a viscoelastic photo polymer and is provided with a multiplicity of small suction cup-like protuberances which function to removably connect the printing element to the smooth surfaces of block  16 . As previously described, side  150   a  can be removably affixed to either of the smooth surfaces  16   a  or  16   b  of mounting block  16 . Uniquely, stamping element  150  can also be removably affixed to thin film mounting sheets  152  which form a part of the storage device of the invention which is generally designated in FIG. 40 by the numeral  154 . As shown in FIG. 40, storage device  154  comprises a conventional type of loose-leaf binder  156  having a back  156   a,  a cover  156   b  and a back  156   c  to which a plurality of spaced-apart split connector rings  158  are connected. Each of the mounting sheets, such as sheet  152 , is apertured so that it can be slipped over rings  158  when the rings are moved into their open position. When the rings are in the closed position shown in FIG. 40, the display sheets are secured within the binder notebook  156  and can be pivoted about rings  158  in the conventional manner of a loose leaf notebook. 
     Importantly, each of the mounting sheets includes a smooth mounting surface such as surface  152   a  of sheet  152 . Smooth surface  152   a  is of a character similar to smooth surfaces  16   a  and  16   b  of mounting block  16  so that the viscoelastic printing elements of the invention can be removably affixed to the mounting sheets by pressing the gripping surfaces, such as surface  150   a,  of the stamping elements into engagement with the smooth surface  152   a  in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 41. As indicated in FIG. 39, several stamping elements, such as elements  159   a,    159   b,    159   c  and  159   d  can be removably affixed to sheet  152 . 
     As shown in FIG. 40, mounting sheet  152  includes an index element  152   b  which extends outwardly from the outboard edge of the sheet so as to function as an identifying tab to identify the stamping elements that are carried by mounting sheet  152 . By way of example, as shown in FIG. 41, stamping element  159   a  is affixed to the smooth surface  152   a  of mounting sheet  152  with the gripping surface thereof in gripping contact with surface  152   a  of mounting sheet  152 . In similar fashion, a second printing element designated in FIG. 41 by the numeral  161  can be mounted on a second mounting sheet  164  that is carried within notebook  156  in the manner shown in FIGS. 40 and 41. As was the case with sheet  152 , mounting sheet  164  is provided with an index tab  164   a  that can be used to identify the printing elements carried on mounting sheet  164 . In similar fashion a plurality of mounting sheets such as those illustrated in FIG. 40 can be carried in notebook  156  and can be provided with indexing tabs identified in FIG. 40 by the numerals  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 . In use, these mounting sheets, like sheets  152  and  164  can carry one or more of the imprinting elements produced in accordance with the method of the invention. 
     The thin film mounting sheets, which are releasably carried within notebook  156 , can be constructed from cast coated paper or cardboard However, the sheets are preferably transparent and are constructed from of a variety of plastic materials such as polypropolene film, mylar film and similar materials. If desired, spacer sheets, such as paper sheets,  170  can be disposed intermediate the mounting sheets. 
     Turning now to FIG. 42, the various components used in the accomplishment of an alternate form of the method of the invention are there illustrated. This alternate method is similar in many respects to that earlier described and like numerals are used in FIGS. 42,  43 ,  43 A and  44  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest method and that earlier described is the elimination of the grid component  78 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 42, the components used in accomplishing this alternate method of the invention include a first negative  70  that is identical to that previously described. Negative  70  has formed thereon of the various art work images  72  which are to be produced by the hand stamp on an ink receiving surface and an image border  72   a  circumscribing the images. As before, on first negative  70 , the various art work images  72  are clear while the area  72   a  surrounding the images is opaque. It is to be understood that in some instances the circumscribing border  72   a  can be eliminated. Another component used in the accomplishment of this altercate form of the method of the invention comprises a thin, substantially transparent protective film  76  of the character previously described. However, as earlier mentioned, in this alternate form of the method of the invention, the grid having the multiplicity of openings has been eliminated. Accordingly, in carrying out this latest method, the liquid photopolymer is controllably deposited directly on protective film  76 . The method of accomplishing this photopolymer deposition step will presently be described. Overlaying the liquid polymer is a second, thin, substantially transparent, protective film  84 . Overlaying film  84  is a second negative  86 , that is identical to the previously described second negative. Second negative  86  is created using the original art work in the manner earlier described. Like negative  70 , second negative  86  has clear areas  86   a  corresponding in size and shape of the backs of the printing elements and opaque areas  86   b  surrounding the clear areas (FIG.  42 ). 
     As in the earlier described form of the method of the invention for making the hand stamp of the invention, this alternate method comprises two steps, namely the step of constructing the printing element that has the image to be imprinted on the smooth surface and the step of interconnecting the printing element with the smooth surface of the body portion of the hand stamp. Considering first the alternate method of constructing the printing element, which has the image to be imprinted on the ink-receiving surface. This alternate method, like the earlier described method, comprises the steps of first locating negative  70  on glass panel  56  of apparatus  50 , which is identical in construction and operation to that previously described. For this purpose first negative  70  is provided with locating apertures  90  at each corner of the negative (FIG.  42 ). Apertures  90  closely receive upstanding locating pins  92  that are affixed to glass panel  56  in the manner shown in FIGS. 43 and 43A. Pins  92  extend upwardly from glass panel  56  so as to enable the precise positioning on the glass panel of the first negative  70 . Pins  92  also function to precisely position second negative  86  in index with first negative  70 . For this purpose, second negative  86  is provided with corner apertures  96 , which apertures closely receive locating or index pins  92 . 
     With first negative  70  indexedly located on glass panel  56  in the manner shown in FIG. 44, a slight vacuum is produced beneath the negative to urge it into secure engagement with the glass panel. Next, the protective transparent film  76  is then superimposed over negative  70 . This done, the specially formulated photopolymer used in the accomplishment of the method of the invention is controllably deposited onto film  76 . As before, this specially formulated liquid photopolymer is commercially available from M &amp; R Marking Systems, Inc. of Piscathway, N.J. and is sold under the product/chemical name Ideal i 40  and Ideal i 50 . This material is a clear viscous liquid that will solidify or cure upon controlled exposure to ultraviolet light. 
     In this latest form of the invention, the liquid photopolymer is deposited on film  76  by a reciprocating reservoir  95 , which contains the photopolymer “P” and forms a part of the processing apparatus  50  (see FIG.  44 ). As indicated in FIG. 44, the photopolymer “P” can be controllably dispensed from reservoir  95  through an outlet  95   a  as the reservoir is rolled over the upper surface of housing  52  along spaced-apart tracks  97  (see also FIG.  12 ). After the liquid photopolymer “P” has been deposited on film  76 , transparent protective film  84  is superimposed over the photopolymer by the earlier described mechanism  99  (FIG. 43) which is of the character previously described. 
     With film  84  positioned over the photopolymer “P”, second negative  86  is superimposed over film  84  in the manner shown in FIGS. 43 and 43A and is precisely indexed with first negative  70  by means of the indexing pins  92 . More specifically, with second film  86  properly positioned over the assemblage comprising first negative  70 , protective film  76 , and photopolymer “P”, the clear areas  86   a  of negative  86  are in precise index with the stamp element images  72  and the opaque areas  86   b  of the negative positioned to define the image borders that circumscribe stamp element images. 
     With the components stacked in the manner described in the previous paragraph and in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 43A, cover  60  of apparatus  50  is moved from its upper position shown in the phantom lines in FIG. 43 to the lowered position shown in the solid lines in FIGS. 43 and 43A. As cover assemblage moves into its lowered position a uniform pressure is exerted on negative  86  and, in turn, on polyester film  84  causing a uniform controlled pressure to be applied to the liquid polymer “P” that overlays protective film  76 . This pressure functions not only to regulate the thickness of the liquid photopolymer, but also functions to move polyester film  84  into positive pressural engagement with the liquid photopolymer to thereby produce a very smooth, highly unique, substantially planar shaped precursor engagement surface. 
     With the cover in position over the component assemblage, the photopolymer is exposed to ultraviolet rays in the same manner as previously described. More particularly, during the exposure step, the ultraviolet bulbs  66   a  housed within cover assemblage  60  of the apparatus  50  are energized so as to pass ultraviolet rays through second negative  86  to expose, through clear areas  86 , the precursor printing elements. As the ultraviolet rays pass through clear areas  86   a  of negative  86 , the liquid photopolymer, will be activated and will solidify to a predetermined thickness which is dependent upon the exposure time of the photopolymer to the ultraviolet rays. As was earlier discussed herein, this first exposure of the photopolymer by ultraviolet lamps  66   a  forms the printing element engagement surface, or backing surface of the printing element that will later be removably interconnected with the smooth surface of the body portion of the hand stamp. 
     Following exposure of the photopolymer by ultraviolet lamps  66   a  for the prescribed period of time, the previously mentioned opaque screen  61  of the exposure unit is moved from a retracted position to an extended position where it covers second negative  86  and obstructs any further ultraviolet exposure of the photopolymer from ultraviolet lamps  66   a.    
     With the opaque screen suitably drawn, the next step in the irradiation method of the invention is to energize ultraviolet lamps  58   a  so as to pass ultraviolet rays through the clear areas  72  of first negative  70  in a manner to expose the unexposed liquid photopolymer. As the ultraviolet rays emanating from ultraviolet lamps  58   a  pass through the clear portions  72  of first negative  70 , the liquid polymer will be activated and will solidify to form the upraised portions of the printing element. As was the case in the earlier described method of the invention, this second curing step using lamps  58   a  will create a stamp element that comprises the backing surface and the upraised indicia portions which, as before, comprise the images or letters to be imprinted on the printing surface. As in the first method of the invention, during the second exposure step, the portions of the photopolymer that surround the upraised indicia portions will not be exposed to and, therefore, will not be activated. These unexposed portions of polymer can be washed away by the washing step of the method which is identical to the washing step previously described herein. 
     Following the washing step each of the plurality of printing elements  102  can be readily peeled away from thin film  84  in the manner earlier described. The novel step of pressurally engaging the unexposed liquid photopolymer with the very smooth surface of film  84  produces a highly novel gripping surface comprising a multiplicity of extremely small, microscopic suction cup like elements which enable the printing elements formed by this latest method of the invention to be removably affixed to any smooth surface such as the surface of film  84  and the smooth, microscopic surface of the hand stamp device of the invention (see for example FIG.  21 ). This unique aspect of the method and apparatus of the invention, permits the formation of printing elements of the character shown in FIG. 20 wherein the backing portion of the stamp is precisely trimmed to coincide with the edges of the upright indicia  102   a.    
     Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.