IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANNER OF SETTING AND INKING STAMPS MADE OF CAOUTCHOUC OR OTHER ELASTIC MATERIAL
Year: 1878

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to John Leighton, of 12, Ormonde Terrace, Regent's Park,
in the County of Middlesex, Artist, for the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANNER OF SETTING AND INKING STAMPS MADE OF CAOUTCHOUC OR
OTHER ELASTIC MATERIAL,"
Sealed the 27th May 1879, and dated the 20th December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Leighton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th December 1878.
JOHN LEIGHTON, of 12, Ormonde Terrace, Regent's Park, in the County of
Middlesex, Artist. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANNER OF SETTING AND INKING
STAMPS MADE OF CAOUTCHOUC OR OTHER ELASTIC MATERIAL."
aro
Stamps of vulcanized caoutchouc or elastic material at present in use
mounted either upon flat or slightly curved surfaces, or are mounted upon rollera;
the method of inking such stamps is well known.
In order to permit of several stamps inked with different colours or with the
same colour being used in succession, I mount the elastic stamps upon the sides of a
triangular, square, or other polygonal prism mounted at its ends on axes so as to
allow of the prisın being turned to bring the stamp on any one or other of its
sides into position for being used. The stamps may be worked either by hand or
machine. Separate inking pads may be used for each of the stamps; they may also
be so connected with the prism or with its axes that any one of them may be
turned aside or removed from in front of the stamp with which it works whenever.
this stamp is to be brought into use. Or the several stamps carried by a prism
may all be inked from one inking roller or block. In this case the axis of the
inking roller and of the prism may be drawn towards one another by springs to
allow of the prisms being turned, and yet always keep the roller up to and against
them, or the roller and prism might be geared by cog wheels. If only one colour is
to be used for all of the stamps, the inking roller may be circular in section. If
each stamp is to be inked with a separate colour, the inker may be of a prismatic
Price Bd1

page_text: form, having an equal number of faces with the prism carrying the blocks; inking
pads and stamps might also be placed alternately on both prisms. Or the inker
might be cylindrical, and the colours be applied to it in longitudinal parallel lines,
the lines of colour being separated from one another by V shaped grooves formed at
equal distances apart along the surface of the roller. In this case, whenever the
prism is turned, one of the angles of the prism enters one of the V grooves in the
roller, and causes it to turn at the same time as the prisın, so that each block as it
is brought round to the roller always has the same line of colour presented to it, or
the rollers and prisms might be geared by cog wheels.
In some cases a prismatic inking block may be used, and the stamps be secured to
flat plates so connected with the prismatic block that any one of them can be
turned on axes at its ends in order that its position may be reversed, and the elastic
printing stamp either turned towards and held against the block or turned away
from it, and so brought into position for being used. The plates may carry an
elastic printing stamp on each of their sides, so that when the stamp on one side is
being used, the stamp on the other may be receiving ink from the block or pad.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Leighton in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 20th June
1879.
JOHN LEIGHTON, of 12, Ormonde Terrace, Regent's Park, in the County of
Middlesex, Artist. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANNER OF SETTING AND INKING
STAMPS MADE OF CAOUTCHOUC OR OTHER ELASTIC MATERIAL."
Stamps of vulcanized caoutchouc or elastic material at present in uso are mounted
either upon flat or slightly curved surfaces or are mounted upon rollers; the method
of inking such stamps is well known. In order to permit of several stamps
inked with different colors or with the same color being used in succession, I
mount the elastic stamps upon the sides of a triangular, square, or other poly-
gonal prism mounted at its ends on axes so as to allow of the prism being
turned to bring the stamp on any one or other of its sides into position for
"being used.
The stamps may be worked either by hand or machine. Separate
inking pads may be used for each of the stamps; they may also be so connected
with the prism or with its axes that any one of them may be turned aside
or removed from in front of the stamp with which it works whenever this stamp
is to be brought into use. Or the several stamps carried by a prism may all
be inked froin one inking roller or block. In this case the axis of the inking
roller and of the prism may be drawn towards one another by springs to allow
of the prisms being turned, and yet always keep the roller up to and against
them, or the roller and prism may be geared by cog wheels. If only one color is to
be used for all of the stamps, the inking roller may be circular in section. If each
stamp is to be inked with a separate color, the inker may be of a prismatic form,
having an equal number of faces with the prism carrying the blocks. Inking pads
and stamps may also be placed alternately on both prisms. Or the inker may be
cylindrical and the colors be applied to it in longitudinal parallel lines, the lines of
color being separated from one another by V shaped grooves formed at equal dis-
tances apart along the surface of the roller. In this case, whenever the prism is
turned, one of the angles of the prism enters one of the V grooves in the roller, and
causes it to turn at the same time as the prism, so that each block as it is brought
round to the roller always has the same line of color presented to it, or the rollers
and prisms may be geared by cog wheels. In some cases a prismatic inking block
may be used, and the stamps be secured to flat plates so connected with the
prismatic block that any one of them can be turned on axes at its ends in order
that its position may be reversed, and the elastic printing stamp either turned
towards and held against the block or turned away from it, and so brought into
position for being used. The plates may carry an elastic printing stamp on each
of their sides, so that when the stamp on one side is being used, the stamp on the
other may be receiving ink from the block or pad.
In order that my said Invention may be most fully understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figures 1 show the forms I employ, using them either as inking or printing
surfaces; Figure 2, the same forms in block; these are to be mounted and used in
conjunction with other parts hereinafter illustrated and described; Figure 3, simple
triangular prism having elastic printing stamps attached to each or to either of its
sides, and with inking tray. The parts are capable of being bound together by a
spindle or axis passed through them. Figure 4 shows a similar arrangement fixed

page_text: Figure 5, a similar arrangement, but carrying three trays bound by a screw passing
through slots. These tray inkers fall one within the other and expose one or two
surfaces; when bound together they protect all, and at the same time apply ink to
the elastic stamps attached around the prism. Figure 6, a similar arrangement, but
square and with one inking tray. It may be used with any number of elastic
stamps up to four. Figure 7, a square with four trays. Sometimes I form the
slots in the block in place of in the trays, as shown at Figure 7. Figure 8, a
triangular prism carrying elastic stamps and furnished with hinged inkers, which
can be turned back to expose the stamp required for use.
Or the elastic stamps
may be on the hinged flaps and the surfaces of the prism may form the inkers.
Figure 9, a similar arrangement, but square; Figure 10, a triangular prism with
flying pads or printing boxes rotating upon arms provided with springs that either
hold closely down upon the block or turn back as desired. I mostly use the flap
for printing and the block for inking, though the order may be reversed. In some
special cases I do without the springs, binding the whole together by the screw
handle, the bottom of which clasps the curved elbows. If the elastic stamps are
on the flaps the stamp is exposed when required for use by drawing the flap away.
from the block, turning it on its pivots, and allowing it to close again against the
block with the stamp on the outer side. If the stamps are on the block the flaps
are folded back to expose them for use. Figure 11, a square block with flaps
connected by elbow hinges; Figure 12, a triangular block with the flaps held
together by cords within grooves admitting of the flaps being folded back and
turned over; Figure 13, three triangular prisms carrying elastic stamps with central
inker of the same form. The outer prisms are bound to the inker by spring arms;
nine changes are thus obtained. It may be enclosed in a folding case. Figure 14,
two triangular prisms carrying elastic stamps attached to a flat inker by spring
arms; Figure 15, two squares on the same; Figure 16, four squares fixed to a cross
form inker in the same way; Figure 17, triangular prism that may be used as a
printer or an inker in a folding case that may also reciprocally be used as an inker
or printer. These folding cases I joint either with vellum or fabric or thin material
of a suitable nature. I sometimes make my inker of rubber sponge with or without
a cover of fabric. Figure 18 shows a square inker provided with a case carrying
elastic stamps on its inner sides; Figure 18 shows a case of three flaps which I
stiffen at the back by a revolving cross bar, to which I attach a suitable handle;
Figure 19, a triangular block with a three flap carrying elastic pads; the arrange-
ment of the springs is such as to carry the flaps right over, exposing the pad and
printing surface, as shown; Figure 20, single spring and arm stamp with a tray
and handle. The elastic stamps are upon the flaps and can be turned to the outside
when required for use. Figure 21, turning flaps hinged on a block; by this
arrangement only a partial revolution is obtained. I apply springs at the joints A,
B, and C, as aids to shutting or opening or fixing in positions, as others; Figure 22,
the same arrangement applied to a double flat box, and may be used with or
without the additional flap represented; Figure 23, the same arrangement of
reversable flap with a spring. Figure 24 represents a hinged flap, the joint
pin of which is capable of sliding in slots in which it is held at either end which
admits of the under surface being readily turned, in which case the hinge occupies
the opposite side. I use either a pad or rollers for this; if for a roller I pull
them out at the ends as a drawer. Figure 24, hinged arms working upon an axle
this admits a printer or an inker working either way, or as in Figure 24b, I apply
arms having slightly elastic connections, and which carry pins to work in slots.
This arrangement is applicable to the stamps previously described. Figure 25,
inkers and printers bound together by cords, which can be done to any length, and
any stamp required can be exposed for use. Figure 26, inkers and printers bound
together by springs and arms as in No 10; Figure 27, the same with arms and a
rubber spring but no end spring; Figure 28, the same with double arms working
in a slot. I sometimes apply a rubber spring as in Figure 27 to this. I use these,
;

page_text: 25, 26, 27, 28, apart, or suspend them by a centre pin to handle forms as Nos. 20
and 23. I sometimes utilize thus the space within other stamps, as No 47. Figure
29, two printers fixed by springs, the whole forming as it were a box. I sometimes
utilize both sides of the lids, in which case I enclose the whole in a suitable case.
Figure 30, stamp fitted with a bow spring working in the interior. I prefer it in
three pieces, though it may be in one; the ends may be slightly grooved or not, and
it may have a key handle end to facilitate turning the flap. Figures 31 show some
of the forms of rubber springs I employ; Figure 32 is a triangular printing surface
within a case of inkers, from which it may be released upon withdrawing the axis.
The inkers may be used as printers, in which case I hinge the flaps at the bottom
and top to reverse them on the spindle, turning the case as it were inside out.
Figure 33 shows a pair of polygonal drums giving an arrangement of facets working
one upon another. I cog the drums or provide a rib running within a slot in their
place. I use one as an inker and the other as a printer, or alternate inkers and
printers upon the same polygonal figure. Figure 34, a combination of roller and
polygonal drum or roller. The roller inks the facets; slots into which the angles
enter divide the colors. Figure 35, three triangular prisms working upon a roller,
to which they are bound by springs and geared as is shown. The axis of each
pair of gear pinions passes through one of the prisms, within which it is moveable
in radial slots as is shown. The angles of the prisms as they come round enter
grooves in the surface of the roller. The elastic stamps are upon the facets of the
prisms. The grooves in the roller serve to separate the colors of the several inking
surfaces. Thus this arrangement provides for the use of nine stamps. Figure 36
shows a method by which I joint blocks of polygonal forms. I employ the same
means as that noted for Nos. 17 and 18, and as I desire that the blocks should fold
tightly and firmly I sometimes let the elastic printing surface retire within the
block or facet; thus I sometimes employ metal springs that resume their position
upon unfolding the faces. Figure 37 shows how I articulate chains of facets in
any number;
use them as inkers and printers, or combined; I revolve them upon
an axis or axes, giving to each facet or double facet a number, letter, figure, or
inscription, which I prefer should be in intaglio, as it has not the relief of type
and admits of folding closely, and moreover it is a preventive to forgery, as it
gives a white figure on a dark ground, which is impossible of alteration. I some-
times cast these chains in rubber, in which case I place the corrugations on the
inside that they may work upon cogs and spindles. Figure 38 shows a rubber
chain thus set singly or for combination; Figures 39, 40, 41, and 42 show some of
the forms in which these articulated blocks may be used; I use as printing surfaces
either the ends, side, or face. Figure 43 shows an inker case for a cube with
spring top and front folding down; Figure 44, the same with two faces; Figure
46 shows an inker case for prism formed printer; Figure 45 shows the centre block
of a stamp, the interior utilized for postage or receipt stamps; and Figure 47 shows
an interior utilized for inkers and printers; Figure 48, a box holding inkers and
printers, the latter being held by springs that are drawn out and turned on their
backs; I use either rollers or pads. Figure 49, an angular box or block for
holding stamps, flat inkers or rollers being used. The stamps when out of use
rest upon either the rollers or pads, the handles folding up or not as desired. I
sometimes apply covers and make them of any length. Figure 50, a square box
or receptacle for stamps, pads, or rollers may be used as also a cover; Figure 51,
a pad rack. I sometimes hinge the box and make it to carry many stamps
with or without folding handles. Figure 52 shows the ink holder I employ. It
consists of a bottle containing a brush, the handle of the brush passing through
the stopper, which may be of cork or a combination of rubber and wood; this
arrangement does away with the old method of dropping the ink on the pad
and provides a place of repose for the dirty brush.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I would have it understood that I claim my improvements

page_text: in the manner of setting and inking stamps made of caoutchouc or other elastic
material, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Leighton, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twentieth day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
JOHN LEIGHTON. (L.S.)