Abstract: An example ink cartridge for a stamp may comprise an image-forming component, a first ink-storage component made of an ink-absorbent material, a second ink-storage component made of an ink-absorbent material having one or more channels in it, and a frame made of a rigid, non-ink-absorbent material. The frame may comprise a floor having one or more holes in it. The frame may comprise an outer wall along its perimeter. The outer wall may extend up from the floor such that the outer wall is capable of retaining ink while the ink is being absorbed by the first ink-storage component and the second ink-storage component, thereby increasing the effective volume of the channel(s). The one or more holes may align with the one or more channels such that ink is enabled to flow through the hole(s) into the channel(s).

Abstract: An example ink cartridge for a stamp may comprise an image-forming component, a first ink-storage component made of an ink-absorbent material, a second ink-storage component made of an ink-absorbent material having one or more channels in it, and a frame made of a rigid, non-ink-absorbent material. The frame may comprise a floor having one or more holes in it. The frame may comprise an outer wall along its perimeter. The outer wall may extend up from the floor such that the outer wall is capable of retaining ink while the ink is being absorbed by the first ink-storage component and the second ink-storage component, thereby increasing the effective volume of the channel(s). The one or more holes may align with the one or more channels such that ink is enabled to flow through the hole(s) into the channel(s).

Abstract: A hand stamp that has a frame member that holds an ink cartridge. The cartridge has an ink storage layer and an image forming layer. An upstanding wall surrounds the ink storage layer forming an ink reservoir. There is a ledge surrounding the inside of the stamp frame that has an adhesive applied to it. The top of the upstanding wall on the ink storage layer is attached to the frame member by the adhesive. There is an ink impervious coating applied to the top of the upstanding wall where the ink cartridge attaches to the stamp frame so that the bond between the ink cartridge and frame is not compromised.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an embosser stamp in which the embosser stamp has an operating lever for controlling movement of the seal or embossing plates. Holes are disposed in the sides of the embosser stamp and through the operating lever. When the holes in the operating lever are aligned with the holes in the sides of the embosser stamp, a locking rod is placed through the aligned holes. Movement of the operating lever is restricted when the locking rod is inserted through the aligned holes. One end of the locking rod has a stop mechanism and the other end has a hole for receiving a lock.

Abstract: An ink pad holder for use with a self-inking reciprocating hand stamp. The ink pad holder has an upper and lower compartment, with an ink pad mounted in each compartment. The ink pad holder can be inserted in the hand stamp with either ink pad facing the printing plate so that different inks can be applied to the printing plate. This allows the user greater versatility such as using the ink pad for finger printing applications by impregnating one of the ink pads with finger printing ink. Alternatively only the lower compartment may have an ink pad mounted therein with the upper compartment remaining empty for storing small items. The ink pad holder is easily removed from the hand stamp so the ink pads are easily accessible for re-inking.

Abstract: A stamp pad holder for use in a self-inking hand stamp. The stamp pad holder has a stamp die box that holds a stamp forming material, ink cartridge and plastic within the die box. The stamp forming material is placed at the bottom of the die box. An ink cartridge having a layer of soft, compressible, ink permeable material applied to its bottom surface is placed above the stamp forming material but separated by an impermeable film. The film prohibits ink from flowing from the ink cartridge to the stamp forming material until the film is pulled from the die box prior to use. This permits the ink from the ink cartridge to impregnate the stamp forming material. The soft, compressible, ink permeable material increases the rate of ink flow from the ink cartridge to the stamp forming material.

Abstract: A hand stamp that has a frame member that has mounted therein an image forming stamping member. This can be either an ink cartridge or a flexible rubber die. The cartridge has an ink storage layer and an image forming layer with an image thereon. The die is a conventional raised indicia die. There is a ledge surrounding the inside of the frame member that has an adhesive applied to it to hold either the ink cartridge or the rubber die. A bottom tray is snugly yet removably attached to the bottom of the frame. The bottom tray protects the stamping member and has a protruding post that provides for mounting multiple stamps, one on top of another.

Abstract: A hand stamp that has a frame member that holds an ink cartridge. The cartridge has an ink storage layer and an image forming layer. There is a ledge surrounding the inside of the frame member that has an adhesive applied to it. The ink storage layer is attached to the frame member by the adhesive. There is an ink entrance hole in the frame into which is poured the printing ink. A plurality of baffles within the frame member control the speed at which the ink disburses throughout the ink storage layer thereby keeping the ink from saturating the adhesive that is used to hold the ink cartridge in place.

Abstract: An ink cartridge or inkpad for use in a hand stamp in which the cartridge is made up of two parts. There is a frame portion and a central removed portion or well. Ink is deposited into the well and absorbed by the foam stamping member and the frame portion. In a first embodiment the central removed portion is reinserted back into the cartridge to provide additional ink storage medium and to impart structural strength to the stamping member. A trim ring supports the stamping member and locks the stamping member and ink cartridge into the stamp mount. This minimizes the mess associates with inking inkpads and also minimizes ink loss due to evaporation and drying. It also reduces the inventory of ink cartridges required by a stamp manufacturer as the cartridges are stored dry and the desired color ink is only placed in the ink cartridge when the stamp is manufactured for the user.

Abstract: A stamp pad holder for use in a self-inking hand stamp. The stamp pad holder has a stamp die box that holds a stamp forming material, ink cartridge and plastic within the die box. The stamp forming material is placed at the bottom of the die box. A pre-inked ink cartridge is placed above the stamp forming material but separated by an impermeable film. The film prohibits ink from flowing from the ink cartridge to the stamp forming material until the film is pulled from the die box prior to use. This permits the ink from the ink cartridge to impregnate the stamp forming material. The die box is then inserted into the hand stamp. A method of manufacturing the die box is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stamp pad holder for use in a self-inking hand stamp. The stamp pad holder has a stamp die box that holds a stamp forming material, ink cartridge and plastic within the die box. The stamp forming material is placed at the bottom of the die box. A pre-inked ink cartridge is placed above the stamp forming material but separated by an impermeable film. The film prohibits ink from flowing from the ink cartridge to the stamp forming material until the film is pulled from the die box prior to use. This permits the ink from the ink cartridge to impregnate the stamp forming material. The die box is then inserted into the hand stamp. A method of manufacturing the die box is also disclosed.