FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to amusement articles and image stamp and particularly to ink-stamping hobbies and play patterns characterized by imparting an inked image, words and/or icons onto a medium such as paper.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The basic process of image-stamping is well known in the art and has been practiced for centuries in one form or another. The basic image-stamping process is direct and relatively simple in principle. The basic image-stamping process involves providing a stamp formed by a raised configured stamping surface which is surrounded by recessed areas. As a result, the stamp defines a contact surface or printing surface which defines the shape of the to-be-imparted image. The process also involves providing a print material such as ink or other suitably characterized liquid or gel together with the inking process which involves coating a layer or deposit of the inking material upon the raised surfaces of the stamp. Finally, a printing medium such as paper or the like is provided and the inked stamp is pressed against the medium surface imparting a printed image upon the medium.
Not surprisingly, practitioners in the art have expended great effort both directed toward serious printing operations and toward hobby or amusement practices dealing with the implementation and maximization of this relatively simple and direct image printing process. Thus, practitioners have provided high speed operative printing apparatus as well as relatively primitive simple printing devices utilized in hobby or amusement processes.
Despite the considerable effort employed by practitioners in the art directed toward improving the apparatus and methods of this basic image printing process, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for ever more improved, interesting and amusing image printing apparatus and play patterns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved image-stamping amusement article. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved image-stamping amusement article which facilitates a novel play pattern and utilizes novel apparatus therein.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an image-stamping amusement article comprising; a supporting band having an outer surface; a plurality of stamps supported upon the outer surface, each of the stamps including a raised preferably textured printing surface; means for forming a layer of printing material upon the printing surface; and a media having an image-receiving surface, the supporting band being sized and formed to fit upon a user's wrist or arm to provide an article of apparel having the stamps as ornamental articles. The invention further provides other objects such as rings, key fobs, pendants, necklaces, belts and pencil tops, all having stampers integrated therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of an image-stamping amusement article constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 sets forth a partial section view of the image-stamping amusement article of FIG. 1 taken along section lines 2-2 therein;
FIG. 3 sets forth a partial side elevation view of the present invention image-stamping amusement article illustrating the inking process;
FIG. 4 sets forth a partial perspective view of an alternate inking process employed upon the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 5 sets forth a partial perspective view of an illustrative image printing operation utilizing the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 7 sets forth a top view of the present invention image-stamping amusement article shown in FIG. 6 configured in a flattened configuration;
FIG. 8 sets forth a perspective view of a plurality of the image-stamping amusement articles shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 combined to form a belt configuration;
FIG. 9 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 10 sets forth a partial section view of the image-stamping amusement article shown in FIG. 9 taken along section lines 10-10 therein;
FIG. 11 sets forth a partial section view of the image-stamping amusement article shown in FIG. 9 taken along section lines 11-11 therein;
FIG. 12 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate key fob and pendant embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 13 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate pencil topper embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 14 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate ring embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article;
FIG. 15 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate double-sided key fob and pendant embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article; and
FIG. 16 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment image-stamping amusement article constructed in accordance with the present invention having an inking sleeve.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of an image-stamping amusement article constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Image-stamping article 10 includes a closed circle band 11 preferably formed of a flexible and resilient material. Band 11 defines a generally flat outer surface 12 and a generally flat inner surface 13. Band 11 further defines opposed edges 14 and 15. Outer surface 12 supports a plurality of raised base pads 33 and 34 which in turn supports a plurality of stamps 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. While not seen in the perspective view of FIG. 1, it will be understood that outer surface 12 may define a further plurality of stamps extending about the entirety of outer surface 12. Each of stamps 20 through 25 defines a characteristic shape and a stamp surface which in turn corresponds to the to-be-imprinted image as shown in FIG. 5. In the preferred fabrication of the invention, each of the stamper surfaces are textured to provide a wetting action to retain ink and other dye materials. Suffice it to note here that stamps 20 through 25 each define respective raised textured printing surfaces, each supported on a raised base.
Image-stamping amusement article 10 further includes an inking device 30 which is better seen in FIG. 3. It will be noted that in accordance with FIG. 4, an alternative inking device is shown. However, suffice it to note here that inking device 30 includes an ink pad 32 (seen in FIG. 3) which supports a quantity of ink or similar printing material. Inking device 30 is brought into contact with a selected one of icons 20 through 25 in order to impart a layer of ink or other printing material to the textured printing surface thereof.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, band 11 is preferably sized and configured to be wearable upon a child user's wrist or arm. In this manner, band 11 provides the additional function of a jewelry or amusement article together with the image-stamping properties thereof. In the preferred fabrication the band 11 in which a resilient material such as rubber or resilient plastic is utilized, band 11 may be easily slipped over the wearers hand to reside upon the wrist, forearm or bicep as desired. During the inking and image imparting process, the user may choose to carry forward the image printing process described below while maintaining band 11 upon the user's wrist or arm. Alternatively, the user may choose to slip band 11 onto the user's hand provide more control of the stamping process or place one or more fingers on the band interior surface for better control.
FIG. 2 sets forth a section view of image-stamping amusement article 10 taken along section lines 2-2 in FIG. 1. As set forth above in conjunction with FIG. 1, article 10 includes a resilient circle band 11 defining edges 14 and 15 and further defining outer surface 12 and inner surface 13. As is also described above, band 11 supports a plurality of stamps such as stamp 21 shown in FIG. 2. Stamp 21 extends upwardly from outer surface 12 to define a printing surface 27. Printing surface 27 is generally shaped to define the to-be-imprinted image when the present invention article is used in the image-stamping process. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that stamp 21 may be fabricated separately from band 11 as shown in FIG. 2 and may be secured to outer surface 12 utilizing a suitable adhesive material or other attachment process such as mechanical fasteners, sonic welding or the like. However, it will be equally apparent to those skilled in the art that band 11 together with stamps 20 through 25 may be fabricated in a single molded article without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be further apparent that layered molding may also be used. The essential character of the support of stamps upon outer surface 12 of band 11 by raised base pads 33 is to provide fixed reliable positioning and attachment of stamps 20 through 25 to outer surface 12 to facilitate image stamping and inking while avoiding ink smudging the band area around the stamps.
FIG. 3 sets forth a partial section view of article 10 during the process of inking the printing surface of stamp 23. More specifically, band 11 includes an outer surface 12 and an inner surface 13 together with a stamp 23. Stamp 23 in turn extends upwardly from outer surface 12 and defines a printing surface 26. An inking device 30 includes a generally cylindrical cup-like housing 31 preferably formed of a material such as molded plastic or the like. Housing 31 supports an ink pad 32. In its preferred fabrication, ink pad 32 is formed of a porous absorbent material within which a quantity of ink or other suitable printing material has been deposited. The inking process shown in FIG. 3 is implemented by positioning inking device 30 in alignment with stamp 23 and bringing ink pad 32 into contact with printing surface 26. The contact of ink pad 32 and surface 26 transfers a layer of ink or other printing material to surface 26.
Thereafter, inking device 30 is withdrawn leaving surface 26 of stamp 23 supporting a layer of to-be-transferred ink or other printing material. The printing process is then carried forward as shown in FIG. 5 and described below.
FIG. 4 sets forth a partial perspective view of article 10 utilizing an alternative apparatus for inking a stamp prior to the printing process shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective view of band 11 of article 10 supporting stamps 28 and 29 upon outer surface 12 of band 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, raised base pads are not used. In this event, stamps 28 and 29 are preferably thicker to obtain a similar result As may be recalled, band 11 defines edges 14 and 15 and is preferably formed of a flexible resilient surface. Stamp 29 defines a printing surface 35 which corresponds to the shape of the to-be-imprinted image. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4, an inking device 40 comprises a conventional felt tip marker or the like which supports a marking nib 41. In accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, inking device 40 supports a quantity of ink within the interior (not shown) which is communicated to nib 41. Nib 41 is typically formed of a porous material which carries a quantity of the internally supported ink to the outer surface of nib 41. Thus, in the inking process shown in FIG. 4, inking device 40 is brought into contact with printing surface 35 of stamp 29 and nib 41 is moved across surface 35 creating a layer of deposited ink 36 thereon. Once the entirety of surface 35 is coated with a layer of ink 36, inking device 40 is withdrawn and the image imparting or printing operation shown in FIG. 5 may be carried forward.
FIG. 5 sets forth a partial perspective view of the present invention image-stamping amusement article illustrating the printing or imprinting process. More specifically, FIG. 5 sets forth image-stamping amusement article 10 in partial perspective view together with a portion of printing media 18. As described above, article 10 includes a band 11 preferably formed of a resilient material such as resilient plastic or rubber and having an outer surface 12 bounded by edges 14 and 15. As is also described above, outer surface 12 of article 10 supports a plurality of stamps such as stamps 20, 21 and 23 shown in FIG. 5. Media 18 may, for example, be conventional paper or fabric and may define a sheet-like member or a solid object as desired. Additionally, images may be made directly on the user's skin to simulate a tattoo.
With stamp 20 inked in the manner described above in either of the methods shown in FIG. 3 or 4, band 11 is then positioned upon media 18 such that the ink bearing printing surface of stamp 20 is brought into contact with the surface of printing media 18. Once in contact with print media 18, stamp 20 transfers a quantity of ink or other printing liquid to media 18 producing a stamped image 19. Thereafter, band 11 is removed from media 18 leaving behind a printed image 19. Of importance to note is that image 19 generally resembles or replicates the printing surface of stamp 20. In this manner, the present invention image-stamping amusement article may be employed to provide a variety of stamped images upon media 18.
FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention image stamping amusement article generally referenced by numeral 50. Image-stamping amusement article 50 includes an elongated band 51 preferably formed of a flat membrane of resilient and elastic material such as rubber or resilient plastic or the like. Band 51 includes generally parallel edges 54 and 55 together with an outer surface 52 and an inner surface 53. Band 51 further includes end portions 56 and 57. As is better seen in FIG. 7, end portions 56 and 57 of band 51 support cooperating snap attachments 60 and 61. Snap attachments 60 and 61 are constructed in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and are operative to join end portions 56 and 57 of band 51 in the overlapping configuration shown in FIG. 6. With snap connectors 60 and 61 securing end portions 56 and 57 together as shown in FIG. 6, band 51 forms a structure very similar to band 10 set forth above in FIG. 1. In further similarity to band 10 set forth above, band 51 supports a plurality of stamps 70, 71 and 72 upon outer surface 52. In further similarity to the above-described embodiments of the present invention in the preferred form, band 51 supports additional stamps upon outer surface 52 which are not visible due to the perspective view of FIG. 6. The use of snap attachments 61 and 62 facilitates opening band 51 to ease the attachment of band 51 to the user's wrist or arm. The use of snap attachment 60 and 61 upon band 51 also facilitates the fabrication of larger cooperating band structures such as that shown in FIG. 8. Apart from the use of overlapping end portions 56 and 57 together with snap attachments 60 and 61, image-stamping amusement article 50 is utilized in substantially the same manner set forth above in FIGS. 1 through 5. Accordingly, stamps 70, 71, and 72 may be inked utilizing either of the above-described inking devices to facilitate the printing operation shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 sets forth image-stamping amusement article 50 having end portions separated and lying in a flat configuration. As described above, image-stamping amusement article 50 includes a resilient flexible band 51 having end portions 56 and 57 together with opposed edges 54 and 55. As is also described above, band 51 defines an outer surface 52 upon which a plurality of stamps such as stamps 70, 73 and 74 shown in FIG. 7 are supported. FIG. 7 also shows a plurality of raised base pads 58 supporting stamps 70,73 and 74. With temporary return in to FIG. 6, it will be recalled that band 51 supports cooperating snap attachments 60 and 61. Returning to FIG. 7, it will be noted that snap attachments 60 and 61 are formed in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and thus include cooperating snap male and female elements. Specifically, snap attachment 60 (seen in FIG. 6) is formed by a snap female element 64 supported near end portion 56 of band 51 together with a cooperating snap male element 62 supported near end 57 of band 51. Similarly, snap attachment 61 (seen in FIG. 6) is formed of cooperating snap female element 65 and snap male element 63. When end portions 56 and 57 are brought together in the overlapping relationship shown in FIG. 6, snap female elements 64 and 65 are brought into alignment with snap male elements 62 and 63. When pressed together, the cooperating snap attachment shown in FIG. 6 results.
FIG. 8 sets forth a further alternate embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of image stamping amusement articles substantially identical to article 50 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are joined in an end to end relationship to form a larger multi-element closed loop suitable for use as a belt or other larger article. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a plurality of image stamping amusement articles identical to article 50 shown in FIG. 6 generally referenced as articles 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of image-stamping amusement articles utilized is selected to suit the waist size of the wearer in the event the present invention apparatus is used as a belt. Other adjustments as to the number of articles joined may be carried forward to produce differently sized structures such as a head band or the like.
FIG. 9 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a further alternate embodiment of the present invention image-stamping amusement article generally referenced by numeral 90. By way of overview, image stamping amusement article 90 is similar to image-stamping amusement article 50 set forth above in FIGS. 6 and 7 in that it provides snap attachment between opposed ends to form a closed loop configuration. Image stamping amusement article 90 differs from article 50 in that it supports a plurality of removable stamps. Thus, image-stamping amusement article 90 facilitates rearranging a plurality of stamps upon the supporting band or alternatively, interchanging a plurality of different stamps to select a particular group or combination of stamps.
More specifically, image stamping amusement article 90 includes a band 91 preferably formed of a resilient flexible material such as rubber or resilient plastic having end portions 96 and 97. In further similarity to article 50 shown above in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of snap attachments 105 and 106 are utilized in securing end portions 96 and 97 in an overlapping attachment. In accordance with the conventional fabrication of snap fit attachments 105 and 106, snap attachment 105 is shown to include a snap male element 107 while snap attachment 106 is shown to include a male snap attachment 108. The remainder of snap attachments 105 and 106 is substantially identical to snap attachments 60 and 61 shown above in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Band 91 further defines an outer surface 92 supporting a plurality of stamps 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114. In accordance with the alternate embodiment of article 90, band 91 defines a plurality of apertures 100, 102 and 101 which are utilized in attaching removable stamps 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114.
For purposes of illustration, stamp 110 having printing surface 115 is shown removed from aperture 100 defined in band 91. As is better seen in FIG. 10, stamp 110 is receivable within aperture 100 due to the resilient character of band 91. It will be understood that the remaining stamps are similarly secured within cooperating apertures formed in band 91. Thus, for purposes of illustration, stamps 111, 112 and 113 are shown secured to band 91 and are resident within their respective apertures (not shown) while apertures 100, 101 and 102 are shown to be empty and free of any attached stamp. The structure of attachment between stamps 110 through 114 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 10. Suffice it to note here that each of stamps 110 through 114 is substantially identical to the structure of stamp 110 shown in FIG. 10 and utilizes a supporting post and enlarged lip portion for securing the attachment to band 91. Thus, in the assembly view of FIG. 9, stamps 110 through 113 are shown to have respective printing surfaces 115, 116, 117 and 118.
FIG. 10 sets forth a section view of article 90 taken along section lines 10-10 in FIG. 9. The purpose of FIG. 10 is to illustrate an attachment mechanism for use in securing the stamps of article 90 to band 91 in a removable attachment. More specifically, FIG. 10 sets forth a portion of band 91 within which an aperture 105 is formed. Correspondingly, stamp 111 having printing surface 116 further includes a generally cylindrical post 120 sized to be receivable within aperture 105. Stamp 111 further includes an outwardly extending lip 121 which is greater in size than post 120 and aperture 105. The resilient structure of band 91 allows aperture 105 to be stretched and there by facilitate the insertion of lip 121 and post 120 into aperture 105. A slight pressure upon stamp 111 passes lip 121 through aperture 105. Once lip 121 has passed through aperture 105, the resilience of the material from which band 91 is fabricated allows aperture 105 to return to its natural size encircling post 120. The extended dimension of lip 121 beyond aperture 105 retains stamp 111 in its attachment to band 91. Post 120 and aperture 105 are circular. This allows stamp 111 to be rotatable upon band 91. In contrast, FIG. 11 shows a faceted post 125 and a correspondingly faceted aperture 126. this facilitates a fixed rotational position for stamp 111 and icon 116 upon band 91.
The removal of stamp 111 from band 91 is carried forward in a substantially reverse process in which stamp 111 is drawn from band 91 and the resilience of band 91 allows lip 121 to be passed through aperture 105. In the preferred utilization of article 90 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the various stamps supported thereon may be arranged and selected in accordance with a desired arrangement. In further accordance with the anticipated use of article 90, one or more of the supported stamps may be removed from band 91 and used apart from the remainder of article 90. Alternatively, the stamps secured to band 91 may be used while remaining attached thereto in the manner set forth above for articles 10 and 50 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6.
FIG. 11 sets forth a section view of a faceted embodiment in which stamper 11 supporting icon 116 utilizes a faceted post 125. Correspondingly, band 91 defines a faceted aperture 126. As mentioned above, the use of a faceted post and aperture gives stamp 11 a fixed selected position.
FIG. 12 sets forth a perspective assembly view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention which may be worn as a pendant or key fob generally referenced by numeral 130. Stamper 130 includes a base 131 supporting an ink pad 132. A stamper top 135 fits upon base 131 covering ink pad 132. Stamper top 135 also supports a stamp icon 136. Alternatively, stamper top 135 may be replaced by a simulated jewel top 138. Jewel top 138 includes a base 137 which fits upon base 131 to cover ink pad 132. Base 131 further supports an eyelet 133 which is used to attach to a suitable chain such as a pendant or key chain.
FIG. 13 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a pencil topper embodiment of the present invention generally referenced by numeral 140. Stamper 140 includes a base 141 supporting an ink pad 142. A pencil cap 145 constructed to receive the upper end of a pencil (not shown) is joined to the underside of base 141. Stamper 140 also includes a stamper top 143 which in turn supports an icon 144.
FIG. 14 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a ring embodiment of the present invention generally referenced by numeral 150. Stamper 150 includes a base 151 supporting an ink pad 152. A ring 153 constructed to be received on a wearer's finger (not shown) is joined to the underside of base 151. Stamper 150 also includes a top 154 which in turn supports a simulated jewel and an underside ink pad 155. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a stamper top such as stamper top 135 shown in FIG. 12 above may also be used with ring 150 in place of top 154.
FIG. 15 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention providing a double-sided pendant or key fob generally referenced by numeral 160. Stamper 160 includes a base 161 supporting a pair of oppositely oriented ink pads 162 and 163. Base 161 further supports an eyelet 164 suitable for connecting to a pendant chain or key chain. Stamper 160 includes a cap 165 sized to fit upon base 161. Cap 165 is adorned with a decorative jewel 166. Alternatively, stamper cap 170 having a stamp icon 171 may be fitted to base 161 in place of cap 171.
Stamper 160 further includes a cap 167 which fits upon base 161 and which supports an ink supply 168. Cap 167 also supports a decorative element 169. Alternatively, a stamper cap 172 having an ink supply 173 and a stamp icon (not shown) may be fitted to base 161 in place of cap 171.
FIG. 16 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment image-stamping amusement article constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 180. Article 180 is substantially the same as article 10 set forth above in FIG. 1 with the addition of an inking sleeve 185. Inking sleeve 185 is supported upon band 189 of article 180 and includes a movable flap 187 and an aperture 186. Flap 187 further supports an ink pad 188. Flap 187 is movable upon band 189 to align with a selected image icon such as icon 181, 182 or 183. In the example shown in FIG. 16, sleeve 185 is aligned over icon 182 which is visible through aperture 186. When thus positioned, flap 187 may be pivoted downwardly to bring ink pad 188 onto icon 182 thereby inking it. Icons 181 and 183 may be inked in a similar manner. When sleeve 185 is not in use, flap 187 is closed to cover aperture 186.
What has been shown is a novel image stamping amusement article which facilitates a play pattern of image stamping while concurrently providing an amusing and interesting article of apparel or play. The novel image-stamping article may be sized or grouped to facilitate different band diameters as desired. The entire apparatus may be fabricated using conventional molded plastic or molded rubber materials to provide washability and ease of manufacture.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
