ROTARY STAMPING JIG AND METHOD OF USE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/721,950, filed Nov. 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to stamping, and more particularly to a rotary text stamp alignment device.

PRIOR ART

Regular metal text stamp alignment jigs align text linearly across one line of text and do not have sufficient precision to accurately align micro-text, which is text that is less than 1.5 mm or less than 4-point font.

Regular rotary metal stamping jigs do not have sufficient precision to accurately align micro-text, which is text that is less than 1.5 mm or less than 4-point font.

Presently there is no solution for accurately aligning micro-text metal stamps around a small disk-shaped media such as leather, plastic, or metal.

Conventional stamping jigs typically provide linear alignment or coarse rotational alignment. These prior art devices do not allow for fine-increment rotational positioning suitable for micro-text applications on small disk-shaped media. There remains a need for a compact, cost-effective rotational stamping jig capable of: securely holding small disk-shaped media; providing precise rotational indexing through tactile feedback; offering both inner and outer alignment paths for text placement; and allowing repeatable alignment for micro-text stamping applications.

The present invention overcomes these limitations contained in the prior art by providing a rotary alignment jig configured to accurately position micro-text stamps relative to small disk-shaped media.

The present disclosure is easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and provides a solution to this problem by providing a semi-enclosed ratcheting spindle that securely holds small, disk-shaped media and an alignment table to accurately place and position micro-text metal stamps.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a rotary stamping jig comprising: an alignment table with one or more alignment shafts, a spindle with a stepped cylindrical geometry and a disk-shaped media recess, a spindle enclosure configured to rotatably retain the spindle, and a bottom plate. The disk-shaped media is secured in the disk-shaped media recess. A ball-plunger-and-toothed-ratchet interface provides tactile rotational indexing, enabling the user to apply micro-text at controlled angular increments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a rotary stamping jig of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the rotary stamping jig of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a spindle of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the spindle of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the spindle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a bottom plate of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a disk-shaped media of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the disk-shaped media in the disk-shaped cut-out in the spindle of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a spindle enclosure of the present invention with a ball plunger.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the spindle enclosure of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the spindle enclosure of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of an alignment table of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates bottom view of the alignment table of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates top view of the alignment table of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a right side view of the alignment table of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side cutaway view of the spindle enclosure of the present invention with a ball plunger.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of a stamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described herein. The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. To avoid obscuring the present invention, some well-known system configurations, and process steps are not disclosed in detail. The figures illustrating embodiments of the system, if any, are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawing figures.

Alternate embodiments have been included throughout, and the order of such are not intended to have any other significance or provide limitations for the present invention.

For expository purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the present apparatus, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms, such as “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, “side”, “higher”, “lower”, “upper”, “over”, and “under”, are defined with respect to the horizontal plane, as shown in the figures, if any. The term “on” means that there is direct contact among elements.

The present invention provides a rotary stamping jig that allows for the stamping (engraving) of circular disks, which is accomplished at a very small scale.

The present invention provides a rotary stamping jig, comprising: an alignment table, wherein two or more legs are disposed on one side of the alignment table, wherein one or more alignment shafts extend through the alignment table; a spindle, wherein the spindle includes a first cylindrical section having a first diameter and a second cylindrical section having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, creating a stepped shoulder therebetween, wherein a disk-shaped cut-out extends partially through the first cylindrical section of the spindle, wherein teeth or indentations are disposed around the circumference of the second cylindrical section, wherein a threaded screw hole extends partially through the second cylindrical section of the spindle; a spindle enclosure, wherein a cut-out extends through the spindle enclosure, wherein the cut-out includes a first cylindrical cut-out section having a first diameter and a second cylindrical cut-out section having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter of the second cylindrical cut-out section is larger than the first diameter of the first cylindrical cut-out section, creating a stepped shoulder therebetween, wherein two or more alignment holes are disposed substantially near the edges of the spindle enclosure; and a bottom plate, wherein a threaded screw hole extends through the bottom plate

The present invention further provides a rotary stamping jig: wherein the legs of the alignment table are removably attached to the alignment holes on the spindle enclosure; wherein the second cylindrical section of the spindle fits is rotatably retained in the first cylindrical cut-out section of the spindle enclosure; wherein the bottom plate fits is axially constrained in the second diameter cut-out section of the spindle enclosure; further comprising one or more stamps; wherein a shaft extends horizontally through the spindle enclosure into the first cylindrical cut-out section; wherein a ball plunger is disposed in the shaft and partially extends out the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the shaft acts as an orientation mark; wherein when the spindle is disposed in the spindle enclosure, the ball plunger is in contact with the teeth on the second cylindrical section; wherein the one or more alignment shafts extend through the alignment table and align with pre-determined locations on the disk-shaped cut-out in the first cylindrical section of the spindle; and wherein hatch marks are disposed around the circumference of the first cylindrical section of the spindle.

In another embodiment, the current invention provides a rotary stamping jig comprising: an alignment table having at least one alignment shaft extending therethrough and at least two legs configured for removable connection to a spindle enclosure; a spindle comprising: a first cylindrical section having a first diameter, a second cylindrical section having a second, smaller diameter, forming a stepped shoulder, a disk-shaped cut-out extending partially through the first cylindrical section configured to receive a disk-shaped media, a circumferential indexing surface comprising teeth or indentations disposed around the second cylindrical section, and a central through-hole; a spindle enclosure comprising: a cylindrical cut-out including a first cylindrical cut-out section rotatably receiving the second cylindrical section of the spindle, and a second cylindrical cut-out section of larger diameter configured to receive a bottom plate, at least two alignment holes positioned near outer edges of the enclosure for receiving the legs of the alignment table, and a plunger shaft extending horizontally into the first cylindrical cut-out section; a ball plunger disposed within the plunger shaft and biased toward the indexing surface so as to engage the teeth or indentations and produce discrete rotational indexing of the spindle; and a bottom plate having a threaded hole aligned with the central through-hole of the spindle for securing the disk-shaped media.

In another embodiment, the current invention provides a rotational micro-text stamping apparatus comprising: a spindle enclosure containing a ball-biased plunger that protrudes into a cylindrical cavity; a spindle rotatably disposed within the cylindrical cavity, the spindle having a circumferential ratchet surface configured to sequentially engage the plunger during rotation to produce discrete tactile rotational increments; a disk-receiving recess formed in the spindle and configured to hold a disk-shaped media; an alignment table attachable to the spindle enclosure and having at least one alignment shaft configured to position a metal stamp relative to the disk-shaped media; and a fastening structure configured to secure the disk-shaped media to the spindle such that the media rotates in unison with the spindle. The rotational micro-text stamping apparatus further comprising, wherein the alignment table includes an outer alignment shaft and an inner alignment shaft positioned at different radial distances; wherein the spindle enclosure includes an orientation mark aligned with the plunger shaft; wherein the ball plunger and the indexing surface produce rotational increments between approximately 1 and 5 degrees; wherein the disk-shaped media is secured by a screw passing through the media and spindle into the threaded hole of the bottom plate; wherein the ratchet surface comprises circumferential teeth; and wherein the alignment table includes visual alignment markings corresponding to each alignment shaft.

In another embodiment, the current invention provides a method of engraving micro-text on a disk-shaped media using a rotary stamping jig, the method comprising: inserting the disk-shaped media into a disk-shaped recess of a spindle; securing the disk-shaped media to the spindle using a fastening structure extending through the media, the spindle, and a bottom plate; rotatably disposing the spindle within a spindle enclosure containing a ball plunger positioned to engage an indexing surface on the spindle; attaching an alignment table to the spindle enclosure such that at least one alignment shaft is positioned over the disk-shaped media; inserting a metal stamp into the alignment shaft and striking the stamp to form a mark on the disk-shaped media; rotating the spindle until the ball plunger engages a subsequent indexing position; and repeating the inserting, striking, and rotating steps to produce a circumferential sequence of micro-text marks. The method of engraving micro-text on a disk-shaped media using a rotary stamping jig further comprising, wherein rotation between indexing positions corresponds to an angular increment between approximately 1 and 5 degrees; and wherein a selection between an outer alignment shaft and an inner alignment shaft determines whether the micro-text is applied to an outer or inner radial position of the disk-shaped media.

The present invention provides a rotary stamping jig, comprising: an alignment table; a spindle; a spindle enclosure; and a bottom plate.

The present invention further provides a rotary stamping jig: wherein the spindle is rotatably retained in a cylindrical cutout section of the spindle enclosure; wherein one or more alignment shafts extend through the alignment table; wherein a ball plunger disposed in the spindle enclosure contacts teeth disposed on the spindle.

The present invention provides a method of engraving a media using a rotary stamping jig, comprising the steps of: disposing a disk-shaped media in a disk-shaped cut-out in a spindle, wherein the disk-shaped media is secured to the spindle with a screw, wherein the spindle is rotatably disposed in a spindle enclosure; disposing an alignment table on the spindle enclosure, wherein two or more legs of the alignment table are removably disposed in holes contained on the spindle enclosure, wherein one or more alignment shafts extend through the alignment table; inserting a stamp into one of the alignment shafts; and striking the distal end of the stamp with a blunt object.

The present invention further provides a method of engraving a media using a rotary stamping jig: wherein the spindle is rotated after using the stamp to move to the next space on the disk-shaped media; and wherein a ball plunger provides feedback and physical resistance as to the location of the disk-shaped media with respect to the alignment shafts when the spindle is rotated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of rotary stamping jig 101. Legs 105 disposed on alignment table 102 are removably disposed in spindle enclosure holes 106 of spindle enclosure 104. Spindle 103 is rotatably disposed in spindle enclosure 104. Ball plunger hole 107 extends through spindle enclosure 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of rotary stamping jig 101. In this view, legs 105 of alignment table 102 are shown disposed in spindle enclosure 104 (spindle enclosure holes 106 cannot be seen in this view). Spindle 103 is rotatably disposed in spindle enclosure 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view spindle 103. Through-hole 303 is in the middle of spindle 103 and extends through spindle 103 and is aligned with through-hole 603 of bottom plate 601 and through-hole 702 of disk-shaped media 701.

A threaded surface is provided within through-hole 303 of spindle 103 and/or through-hole 603 of bottom plate 601 to receive a fastening screw. When spindle 103 is disposed in spindle enclosure 104, bottom plate 601 is disposed in second cylindrical cut-out section 905 of spindle enclosure 104. A fastening screw or other suitable device is inserted into bottom plate 601 and then spindle 103, thus securing bottom plate 601, spindle, 103, and spindle enclosure 104.

Threads to receive a screw are disposed at least partially on the wall of through-hole 303. Spindle 103 comprises first cylindrical section 305 having a first diameter and second cylindrical section 304 having a second diameter. First diameter of first cylindrical section 305 is larger than second diameter of second cylindrical section 304 creating a stepped shoulder therebetween. Hatch marks 301 are disposed around the circumference of first cylindrical section 305. Disk-shaped cut-out 302 extends partially through first cylindrical section 305.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of spindle 103. Teeth 401 are disposed around the circumference of second cylindrical section 304.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of spindle 103. Hatch marks 301 are disposed around the circumference of first cylindrical section 305. In this embodiment, indentations 501 are disposed around the circumference of second cylindrical section 304.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of bottom plate 601. Through-hole 603 extends through bottom plate 601. Threads 602 may be disposed on the wall of through-hole 603. In some embodiments, no threads are disposed on through-hole 603.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of disk-shaped media 701. Through-hole 702 extends through disk-shaped media 701. In another embodiment, magnets or other securing devices are used to secure disk-shaped media 701 in disk-shaped cut-out 302 of spindle 103. In another embodiment, disk shaped media 701 does not have a through-hole, and other means for securing disk shaped media 701 in disk-shaped cut-out 302 of spindle 103 are utilized.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of disk-shaped media 701 disposed in disk-shaped cut-out 302 of spindle 103.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of spindle enclosure 104 with ball plunger 906. Spindle enclosure 104 comprises cylindrical cut-out 903. First cylindrical cut-out section 904 has a first diameter and second cylindrical cut-out section 905 has a second diameter. The diameter of second cylindrical cut-out section 905 is larger than the diameter of first cylindrical cut-out section 904, creating a stepped shoulder therebetween. Alignment holes 106 are disposed substantially near the edges of spindle enclosure 104 and extend through spindle enclosure 104. Ball plunger 906 is disposed in ball plunger hole 107. Ball plunger hole 107 extends through spindle enclosure 104 and opens into first cylindrical cut-out section 904. When ball plunger 906 is disposed in ball plunger hole 107, ball plunger 906 extends through first cylindrical cut-out section 904 and partially into cylindrical cut-out 903. Ball plunger 906 is biased toward spindle 103 indexing surface to create repeatable angular increments during rotation. Bottom plate 601 is sized such that it fits securely into second cylindrical cut-out section 905.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of spindle enclosure 104. In this view, first cylindrical cut-out section 904 is seen, while second cylindrical cut-out section 905 cannot be seen.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of spindle enclosure 104.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of alignment table 102. Outer alignment shaft 1201 and inner alignment shaft 1202 extend through alignment table 102. Outer mark 1203 and inner mark 1204 are disposed on alignment table 102. Outer alignment shaft 1201 is located closer to the outer edge of alignment table 102 than inner alignment shaft 1202.

FIG. 13 illustrates bottom view of the alignment table 102. Outer alignment shaft 1201 and inner alignment shaft 1202 extend through alignment table 102.

FIG. 14 illustrates top view of the alignment table 102. Outer alignment shaft 1201 and inner alignment shaft 1202 extend through alignment table 102. Outer mark 1203 and inner mark 1204 are disposed on alignment table 102. Outer alignment shaft 1201 is located closer to the outer edge of alignment table 102 than inner alignment shaft 1202.

FIG. 15 illustrates a right side view of alignment table 102.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side cutaway view of spindle enclosure 104. Ball plunger 906 is disposed in ball plunger hole 107. Ball plunger hole 107 extends through spindle enclosure 104 and opens into first cylindrical cut-out section 904. When ball plunger 906 is disposed in ball plunger hole 107, ball plunger 906 extends through first cylindrical cut-out section 904 and partially into cylindrical cutout 903. Ball plunger hole 107 also acts as a marker to identify the position of spindle 103 and help orient the user.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of stamp 1701. End 1702 of stamp 1701 comprises any letter, number, or other figure as desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, legs 105 of alignment table 102 are removably disposed in spindle enclosure holes 106 of spindle enclosure 104. Spindle 103 is rotatably disposed in spindle enclosure 104. Disk-shaped media 701 is disposed in disk-shaped cut-out 302 of spindle 103. Ball plunger hole 107 also acts as a marker to identify the position of spindle 103 using the hatch marks 301. This helps to orient the user as to the position of spindle 103, and in turn, the position of disk-shaped media 701.

Disk-shaped media 701 is securely disposed in disk-shaped cut-out 302 of spindle 103 via screws or other means for securing disk-shaped media 701 such that disk-shaped media 701 will only move when spindle 103 is rotated. In the preferred embodiment, a screw is insert into through-hole 702, through-hole 303, and through-hole 603. A nut or other means for securing the screw may be used to secure disk-shaped media 701.

Outer alignment shaft 1201 and inner alignment shaft 1202 orient and hold stamps 1701 (shown in FIG. 17) with respect to disk-shaped media 701 when disk-shaped media 701 is disposed in disk-shaped cut-out 302 of spindle 103. Outer mark 1203 and inner mark 1204 are disposed on alignment table 102 and are used to orient the user as to the position of outer alignment shaft 1201 and inner alignment shaft 1202, respectively.

When a user desires to engrave marks on the outer edge of disk-shaped media 701, the user orients alignment table 102 onto spindle enclosure 104 such that outer mark 1203 is aligned with ball plunger hole 107. Stamp 1701 is then inserted into outer alignment shaft 1201 and comes into contact with disk-shaped media 701. The user hits the exposed end of stamp 1701 with a hammer or other blunt object in order to engrave disk-shaped media 701 with end 1702 of stamp 1701.

When a user desires to engrave marks on the inner edge of disk-shaped media 701, the user orients alignment table 102 onto spindle enclosure 104 such that inner mark 1204 is aligned with ball plunger hole 107. Stamp 1701 is then inserted into inner alignment shaft 1202 and comes into contact with disk-shaped media 701. The user hits the exposed end of stamp 1701 with a hammer or other blunt object in order to engrave disk-shaped media 701 with end 1702 of stamp 1701.

Once the user has stamped disk-shaped media 701, the user rotates spindle 103 which moves disk-shaped media 701 to allow for the next mark to be engraved on disk-shaped media 701. Hatch marks 301 are used to orient the user. Preferably, hatch marks 301 are such that the user only needs to move one hatch mark 301 in order to change the position of disk-shaped media 701 enough such that when stamp 1701 is then inserted into outer alignment shaft 1201 or inner alignment shaft 1202 and comes into contact with disk-shaped media 701 again, there is sufficient spacing between the engraved marks on disk-shaped media 701. The user can add additional spacing between engraved marks on disk-shaped media 701 by rotating spindle 103 further.

Ball plunger 906 is disposed in ball plunger hole 107, ball plunger 906 extends through first cylindrical cut-out section 904 and partially into cylindrical cutout 903. When spindle 103 is rotated, there is physical resistance that can be felt by the user. The physical resistance is accomplished by indentations 501 and/or teeth 401 that are disposed around the circumference of second cylindrical section 304. The part of ball plunger 906 that extends through first cylindrical cut-out section 904 and partially into cylindrical cutout 903 is in contact with either the indentations 501 or the gaps between teeth 401. This creates a ball-plunger-and-toothed-ratchet interface which provides tactile rotational indexing, enabling the user to apply micro-text at controlled angular increments. When spindle 103 is rotated, ball plunger 906 is such that it retracts slightly back into ball plunger hole 107 and allows spindle 103 to rotate to the next indentation 501 or the next gap between teeth 401. This change from one indentation 501 to the next indentation 501 or from one gap between teeth 401 to the next gap between teeth 401 creates physical, tactile feedback to the user. In certain embodiments, the ratchet increments correspond to 1°, 2°, or 5° of rotation.

As spindle 103 rotates within spindle enclosure 104, ball plunger 906 retracts and extends across adjacent teeth 401 or indentations 501, thus creating discrete tactile increments, which in turn provides precise, repeatable rotational orientation for micro-text stamping. These increments may correspond to angular steps of approximately 1-5 degrees, although other angular increments may be utilized.

Although the preferred embodiment provides a ball-plunger-and-toothed-ratchet interface, specifically indentations 501 and/or teeth 401 along with ball plunger 906, other mechanisms may be utilized that allow for the position of spindle 103 in spindle enclosure 104, including but not limited to: gear-based ratchets, spring-loaded tooth followers, pin-indexed plates, lift-and-rotate mechanisms, other means of degree accurate rotational advancement, etc.

In other embodiments, additional alignment shafts extend through alignment table 102 to allow for additional marks to be engraved on disk-shaped media 701.

Although four legs 105 are shown herein, any number of legs 105 may be disposed on alignment table 102.

Hatch marks 301 may comprise any type of mark as desired that allows for the user to orient spindle 103 when rotatably disposed in spindle enclosure 104. Numbers may or may not be included, the spacing can be any desired spacing, etc.

Disk-shaped media 701 may comprise any material that allows for proper engraving, such as, including but not limited to, leather, plastic, metal, etc. Disk-shaped media 701 may also comprise other shapes.

The preferred embodiment for rotary stamping jig 101 is for micro-text engraving on disk-shaped media 701. Rotary stamping jig 101 allows a user to accurately align micro-text, which is text that is less than 1.5 mm or less than 4-point font.

The tolerances for the various pieces and components of rotary stamping jig 101 are very small. This ensures that allow components fit together very snugly to allow for the ability to engrave micro-text.

The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described herein. The previous embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

One screw can be used to secure bottom plate 601, spindle enclosure 104, and spindle 103, and a separate screw can be used to secure disk-shaped media 701 to spindle 103, or one screw can be used to secure all pieces. If two screws are used, the screw to secure bottom plate 601, spindle enclosure 104, and spindle 103 does not extend to the distal end of the opening of through-hole 303 to allow a second screw to be inserted into through-hole 303 to secure disk-shaped media 701 to spindle 103.

Bottom plate 601 is sized such that it fits securely into second cylindrical cut-out section 905

In the previous description, numerous specific details and examples are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details and specific examples. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the included claims. All matters previously set forth herein or shown in the accompanying figures are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.