Improvements in Hand Stamps.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 31st May, 1899
Complete Specification Left, 28th Feb., 1900-Accepted, 31st May, 1900
Improvements in Hand Stamps.
I, JOHN CRAWFORD MACALESTER, 6, Franklin Terrace, Glasgow, Merchant, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists of improvements in hand stamps by which the type
or die is, by automatic means, caused to strike flat on the surface to be impressed
& when in contact, to receive an evenly distributed pressure.
For this purpose, the type base is jointed to the handle by a universal joint.
The type base, which may be a metal plate, carries the die or type at one end,
& at the other end, it forms an extension or tail piece.
The type base is set normally, not flat but diagonally across the bottom of the
handle, the type end sloping upwards & the tail piece downwards.
In use, the handle being held vertically as usual, the tail piece touches the
surface first & thus automatically ensures the type at the other end striking
flat, the contact point or points of the tail piece being in a plane with the type
face.
At the same time, the joint being a universal one, any lateral motion of the
hand is dissipated & an even distribution of pressure on the type is secured.
The type base may be brought back to its normal position either by spring or
the weight of the tail piece.
To ink the stamp, a box is provided with a lip or edge which engages the tail
piece, so that (1) the type strikes flat on the pad automatically & is evenly inked,
and (2) the contact point or points of the tail piece are kept free of ink.
Dated this 30th day of May 1899.
Improvements in Hand Stamps.
I, JOHN CRAWFORD MACALESTER, of 6, Franklin Terrace, Glasgow, Merchant,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the follow-
ing statement:-
This invention consists of improvements in hand stamps by which the type
or die is, by automatic means, caused to strike flat on the surface to be impressed
and, when in contact, to receive an evenly distributed pressure.
In order that the invention may be properly understood I have hereunto
appended an explanatory sheet of drawings which shows, by way of example,
a rubber stamp constructed in accordance with my invention.
Fig. 1 is a side view of the rubber stamp.
Fig. 2 is a front view of the same.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the stamp as it appears when making an impression.
Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line X-X Fig. 3.

page_text: Fig. 5 is a detail view.
Referring to the drawings whereon the same reference letters wherever repeated
indicate the same parts.
In carrying out the invention, the stamp is provided with a type base a, pre-
ferably formed by a metal plate and having the type b, b, secured to it in the
usual manner. Formed in one with the type base is a lateral extension or tail
piece c which is preferably of a T shape as shown. c¹, c¹, are feet made on the
tail piece. The type base is connected with the usual handle d by means of a
universal joint which may take the form of two lugs e made in one with the type
base and through holes in which a pin f is passed. The pin f is also passed
through a hole or passage in a block y (see also Fig. 5) which latter has a pin h
passed through the hole in it which pin also passes through holes in the fork
shaped jaws i, i, cast in one with the ferrule j of the handle. As will be seen
the pin passes through the block g at right angles to the pin h so that a Hooke's
joint is formed with the result that a universal movement can be imparted to
the type base.
As will be seen (Figs. 1 and 2) the type base does not normally lie flat or hori-
zontal but at an angle to the bottom of the handle with the type end sloping
upwards and the tail piece downwards. To insure this normal inclination of the
type base a spring k may be provided. This spring is secured, at its one end,
to the tail piece, and, at its other free end, bears against the bottom of the
block g.
In use, the handle being held vertically as usual, the tail piece, owing to the
inclination of the type base, first touches the surface to be impressed and, acting
as a guide, automatically ensures that the type on the base will strike flat, the
contact feet c¹ of the tail piece being in a plane with the type face. At the same
time, the joint connection between the type base and the handle being a universal
one, any lateral motion of the hand is neutralized and an even distribution of
pressure on the type assured. The type base, after each impression, is brought
back to the normal position by the action of the spring k.
For inking the stamp a box may be used having a lip or edge which engages the
tail piece so that the type strikes flat on the pad automatically and is evenly
inked while the contact feet of the tail piece are kept free of ink.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
consider novel and desire to claim is;-
1. In a hand stamp, the combination of a handle, a type base movably jointed
to the handle, and a tail piece for the type base, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
2. In a hand stamp, the combination of a handle, a type base jointed by means
of a universal joint to the handle, a tail piece for the type base, and means for
causing the type base and tail piece to normally lie in an inclined position,
substantially as herein before described.
3. The construction of hand stamp substantially as herein before described with
reference to the drawings annexed.
Dated this 22nd day of February 1900.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
100, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.