EP1470003B1 - Device for applying patterns and/or inscriptions to a substantially flat surface of an article - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for applying patterns and / or labels to a substantially planar surface of an article, in particular a post or greeting card, an insert sheet for photo albums or a document using templates.

Hereby, the term "post or greeting card" is understood to mean all conceivable types of greeting, invitation, message and congratulatory letters. However, since devices and methods of the type in question are mostly used in the creation of handmade greeting cards, in the following often only the term "card" is used without the apparatus and method being limited to cards in the true sense. By way of example, documents and inserts for photo albums may be mentioned which can be processed equally by means of the device according to the invention or by means of the method according to the invention.

The term "labels" includes both individual letters and numbers, as well as complete greetings and congratulatory formulas such. "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Birthday!" Understood. For the sake of simplification, in the following, as a rule, only a brief reference is made to "patterns", this term then also to include labels.

It has long been known for the application of patterns, in particular on surfaces of said cards and the like. To use templates.

In the stencils, a distinction is made between so-called single-layer stencils and two-layered or multi-layered stencils, where the two-layered or multi-layered stencils are, in fact, two or more separate stencils whose patterns complement one another, in particular in such a way that they correspond to certain stencils Patterned webs or bridges, for example, in an "O" hold the middle area in the template, are no longer visible in the finished pattern.

It has now been found that many users both the use of single-layer and multi-layer stencils problems.

One obvious problem with multi-layered templates that are applied one after the other is the alignment of a later-applied template relative to the pattern created using the first template. For this purpose, the procedure has hitherto been such that the position of the first template is marked in pencil on the surface processed by the template, that is usually on a sheet of paper or cardboard, and other templates are later aligned with this marking. However, this approach is inaccurate because it always allows only an approximate alignment based on the purely visual estimation of the orientation of the second and each further template relative to the marked marks. In addition, after removing the pencil marks usually erasure marks remain visible on the surface, especially since the usually processed papers and cardboard are sensitive to mechanical abrasion and are easily damaged when erasing the markings.

For single-layered scarabs, the orientation of the template relative to the card is a problem for many users: the variety of design options due to the freedom of choice of how a template is applied relative to a card is not perceived by many as an advantage but as a disadvantage. This problem also arises with multi-layer stencils, because the first stencil can be created freely relative to the card.

At least partial solution of the problems occurring when working with templates is from the DE 1 954 970 A1 a device known by means of the multi-layer stencils and in particular a template, on which a plurality of successively applied elements of a pattern are provided, can be determined in certain positions relative to a frame. However, this does not release the user from his freedom of choice with regard to the arrangement of the pattern relative to a card, unless it is pitched Used cards that can be fixed to the frame. The device is therefore not suitable for the production of high-quality greeting cards, which should have no perforations.

From the DE 2 210 925 A1 are a stencil and a stencil holder for labeling of long textile ribbons, in particular so-called. Laundry marking tapes, known in which the tape to be labeled is guided at its upper and lower edge of the stencil holder. The individual templates can be positioned as desired in the longitudinal direction of the band.

Based on this, the invention has for its object to provide a device for applying patterns and / or labels on a substantially planar surface of an article, in particular a postal or greeting card, an insert sheet for photo albums or a document using templates, which are not precise alignment of each template by which a pattern and / or label is to be transferred to a surface relative to the surface to which the pattern or label is to be transferred, but which also allow multi-layer stencils to permit to relieve the user of virtually any freedom of choice with respect to the orientation of the pattern relative to the surface.

The object is achieved in terms of the device from a device having the features of claim 6. The independent claim 1 relates to a device having all the features of claim 6. Advantageous developments of the device and the template holder are the subject of the respective subclaims.

Fig. 1

einen Schablonenhalter zur Halterung einer Schablone und zur Aufnahme einer zu bearbeitenden Karte in einem ersten Kartenformat,

Fig. 2

eine Schablone zur Herstellung zweier unterschiedlicher Grundmuster, nämlich eines Grundmusters mit zwanzig und eines Grundmusters mit neun Herzmotiven

Fig. 3

einen Adapter zum Anpassen des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Schablonenhalters an ein weiteres Kartenformat und

Fig. 4

eine Schablone zur Verwendung mit einer Schablone gemäß Fig. 2 zur Herstellung zweier unterschiedlicher geprägter Muster.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following purely exemplary and non-limiting description of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. Show, in plan view:

Fig. 1

a template holder for holding a template and for receiving a card to be processed in a first card format,

Fig. 2

a template for producing two different basic patterns, namely a basic pattern with twenty and a basic pattern with nine heart motifs

Fig. 3

an adapter to customize the in Fig. 1 stencil holder shown on another card format and

Fig. 4

a template for use with a template according to Fig. 2 for producing two different embossed patterns.

In the Fig. 1 is a stencil holder designated in its entirety by 10 for holding a template, such as a stencil as in Fig. 2 shown template and for receiving an object with the surface to be processed. In this case, the object with the surface to be processed will usually be a card.

The template holder 10 consists in this embodiment of a base or work surface 12, in which in this embodiment seven receiving openings 14 are introduced, of which in the Fig. 1 only three were provided with reference numerals, since in the four other receiving openings short retaining pins 16 are inserted, so that these four receiving openings in the Fig. 1 filled top view appear filled.

The retaining pins 16 may be e.g. to act short pieces of a cylindrical rod or double conical shelf supports, as they are known in the furniture industry. These purely exemplary called forms of retaining pins each have a round cross section, so that the receiving openings 14 have a round cross-section.

It should be emphasized at this point that the receiving openings 14 can of course also have any other cross-sectional shapes, e.g. triangular or rectangular. In these cases, then of course, the retaining pins 16 should have appropriate cross-sectional shapes, so that they can be held in a form-fitting manner in the receiving openings 14.

The retaining pins 16 project from the stencil holder 10, so that a template having corresponding holes, so on the Template holder can be placed, that the template is in an exactly predeterminable position relative to the stencil holder. The exact procedure for the use of template holder and template will be discussed below.

The template holder 12 may be made of any suitable materials. Optically attractive template holders can be made of hard plastics such as e.g. Manufacture acrylic glass.

The plurality of short holding pin receiving apertures 14 provided in the illustrated embodiment allow the holding pins 16 to be inserted in different positions on the stencil holder, thus fulfilling two functions:

On the one hand, stencils from different countries usually have different perforations, these perforations were originally not used to set the template on a stencil holder, but rather for archiving the template. The invention can thus advantageously make use of perforations, which are located in the templates anyway. If the templates have no perforations, corresponding perforations can be easily introduced.

Stencils from German production usually have a double or four holes with a hole spacing of 8 cm. In contrast, stencils from the USA often have a triple perforation. By appropriate arrangement of the receiving openings 14 on the template holder 10, these different perforations of the templates can be taken into account.

It is of course also possible to provide differently shaped or differently dimensioned receiving openings, in which then correspondingly different shaped and / or dimensioned retaining pins can be inserted, because the perforations of the templates from the US usually have a larger diameter than those in Germany, for example usual perforations.

On the other hand, it allows a corresponding arrangement of the receiving openings in a corresponding other embodiment of the template holder to define a template in different positions relative to a surface to be machined, ie, for example, upright and across. This functionality is in the case of Fig. 1 Template holder shown not provided.

It should be emphasized at this point that the retaining pins 16 of course also firmly connected to the template holder and can not be placed in different positions. Also, the retention pins can be integral parts of the template holder formed directly on the template holder.

The retention pins 16 provide means for determining a predetermined position of a template relative to the template holder. However, such means may also be provided in other ways, e.g. through appropriate stops for the template.

The template holder 10 further includes a first recess 18 and a second recess 20 in this embodiment. In this case, the first recess 18 is adapted to the size of the templates commonly used with the template holder, both in their length and width and in terms of their depth, so that an inserted template with the top of the template holder advantageously forms a flush work surface, from the only protrude the retaining pins 16.

The peripheral edges of the first recess 18 form a stop for the edges of a template. If the template is advantageously dimensioned so that the length of its outer edges correspond exactly to the length of the inner edges of the recess 18, the template can be held in a form-fitting manner in the template holder. Also, the edges of the first recesses 18 thus form means for determining a predetermined position of a template relative to the stencil holder. On the retaining pins 16 can thus be omitted theoretically in this embodiment.

However, the retaining pins ensure that a template like the one in Fig. 2 shown template only in certain positions relative to the stencil holder can be applied, so that eg the in Fig. 2 Template shown here can only be placed so that the tips of the heart motifs point in the drawing down. Thus, the device in the application is practically "foolproof".

The second recess 20 is adapted in its width, height and depth to the size of the objects usually to be processed. Since the items to be processed will usually be so-called double cards, which consist of a once-folded sheet of firmer paper or thinner cardboard and in Germany in the folded state often have the format DIN A5, trained in a trained for German use Template holder the recess 20 generally have the format DIN A4, so that a card in the unfolded state can be inserted into the recess 20. In other countries with other customary dimensions of cards, the recess 20 will be appropriately sized differently.

In principle, it has proven to be expedient to design the recess 20 so that it can receive cards, insert sheets, documents in the largest country-typical format and then provide one or more adapters, by means of which the size of the recess can be adapted to smaller formats. On such adapters will be discussed below.

The edges of the recess 20 form a stop for the edges of the object to be processed, so that the recess 20 is a means for determining a predetermined position of the surface to be processed, ie that surface of an object to which by means of the template a pattern and / or a Label should be applied, relative to the stencil holder represents. Since, as stated above, the position of a template relative to the template holder can be precisely determined by means of the retaining pins 16 or even alone by the recess 18, the template holder allows the position of a template to be exactly defined relative to the surface to be processed.

It should be emphasized at this point that it can of course also be a recess in the recess 20 so that the template holder only one Frame, but not a bearing surface for the object to be machined forms. This is readily possible since devices of the type in question are usually used on a flat worktop anyway. The object to be processed, so for example the postcard, would then placed directly on such a countertop and covered only laterally from the frame-like template holder.

Both embodiments have their advantages. Thus, a stencil holder designed as a frame is much easier and, due to the saving of material, as a rule also more cost-effective than a stencil holder with a bearing surface for the object to be processed. In contrast, a template holder with a bearing surface for the object to be processed compared to a bare frame is usually more stable. In addition, in an open frame, in particular a thin card or a thin sheet of paper can easily slip, if the frame is not pressed firmly on the worktop. Also, a stencil holder in which the bottom of the recess itself forms a worktop for the object to be processed, e.g. a table on which the stencil holder is placed against soiling and damage when working with the device.

Another variant, instead of exceptions or depressions, provides elevations which, like the two solutions just described, likewise enable a form-fitting holding of a card or a paper in the stencil holder without damaging the card or the paper in the process, e.g. without kinking or punching the card or the Paier.

The stencil holder 10 has in this embodiment a through opening 22, by means of which an inserted stencil and / or an inserted object to be processed, thus e.g. a card can be pushed forward from the back of the stencil holder, so that the stencil and / or object can be easily removed from the stencil holder.

In the Fig. 2 For example, a stencil shown in its entirety at 30 is shown for applying patterns to greeting cards, for example. The template 30 consists of a base member 32, which may be rigid or flexible and, depending on the type and intended use of the template, may be designed both for single use and for multiple use. For one-time use, such a template can be made of paper, cardboard or cardboard. As a rule, the template will be made of a plastic film or a thin plastic plate.

In the base member 32, a number of perforations 34 is introduced, which are adapted in size, number and shape to the retaining pins 16 of the template holder 10. Further, in the base member 32 different pattern recesses 36 and 38 are introduced, of which for reasons of clarity, only a few have been provided with reference numerals. It should be noted at this point that the pattern recesses 36 and 38 only for clarity in the Fig. 2 have been filled in black and that these pattern recesses 36 and 38 are actually punched or, for example, laser-cut openings in the base element 32.

The template 30 is formed in this embodiment so that a conventional double card whose format is indicated in the unfolded state by the dashed line 40 can be provided with two different basic patterns, one of which consists of twenty heart motifs, the other of nine heart motifs ,

Usually a double card is provided only on the front side in the folded state with such a basic pattern. On the so-called insides of the map then a text is entered. In the unfolded state of a double card, which has the format indicated by the dashed line 40 in the unfolded state, would be the front of the card when the dashed line 40 indicated the card, in the in Fig. 2 arranged in the left area pattern recesses 36th

When editing a correspondingly sized double card can proceed so that the card is inserted in the unfolded state in the recess 20 in the template holder 10, after which the template 30 is inserted into the recess 18 of the template holder 10. Then, for example, by means of a paint brush or pen, paint is applied through the pattern recesses 36 to the front of the card. Thus, twenty heart motifs can be generated on the front of the card. If the other template provided on the template 30 with the nine heart motifs are to be applied to the front side of the card, one would only need to turn the template around an axis running from top to bottom in the plane of the drawing.

In the Fig. 3 there is shown an adapter, indicated generally at 50, which serves to adapt the recess 20 in the template holder 10 to another format of an article to be processed, eg, a smaller paper size.

The adapter 50 in this embodiment consists of a peripheral frame 52 which forms a receiving opening 54. The frame 52 is adapted in its width, height and thickness of the recess 20.

The receiving opening 54 corresponds to the format to which the recess 20 in the stencil holder 10 is to be reduced.

It should be emphasized at this point that, instead of a circumferential, closed frame 52, depending on the type of desired reduction of the recess 20 also differently shaped adapter can be provided. If the recess 20 is to be e.g. can be reduced only in width, a corresponding adapter may consist of a flat bar corresponding width.

A reduction in width and height can also be achieved by angular adapter, in which then the recess 20 is reduced in the template holder only on a high and a broad side. Frame-like adapters like the one in Fig. 3 However, as shown in FIG. 2, each of which circumferentially decreases the recess 20, it is possible to place the receiving opening 54 so that no specially adapted stencils need to be used.

Would an angular adapter such in the recess 20 of the in Fig. 1 shown stencil holder inserted that he along the left and the upper edge of the recess 20 extended, would then inserted into the remaining recess correspondingly sized card to the right and bottom edge the recess 20 back. Then would a template like the one in Fig. 2 placed template 30, for example, would be the pattern formed from the pattern recesses 36 no longer centered on the right half of the card, which then forms the front of the card in the folded state.

A rotating adapter like the one in Fig. 3 On the other hand, it allows, for example, to align the card surface to be processed with the template so that the center of a basic pattern is always also above the center of the card surface to be processed.

Of course, in the example shown, the rectangular receiving opening 54 in the adapter can have any shape, e.g. circular or oval. Also, instead of a through opening only a depression for receiving the object to be machined may be provided in the adapter. Ultimately, it is only important that the adapter advantageously a purely positive fixing of an object to be processed, ie. a card, without damaging the item in any way, e.g. to have to bend.

In the Fig. 4 For example, there is shown a stencil 60 in its entirety which interacts with a stencil such as the one shown in FIG Fig. 2 template allows the creation of embossed patterns. The template 60 consists of a base member 62, which may be rigid or flexible and, depending on the nature and intended use of the template, may be designed for single use as well as for multiple use. For one-time use, such a template can be made of paper, cardboard or cardboard. As a rule, the template will be made of a plastic film or a thin plastic plate.

In the base member 62 different pattern recesses 66 and 68 are introduced, of which for reasons of clarity, only a few have been provided with reference numerals. The pattern recesses 66 and 68 are only for clarity in the Fig. 4 filled in black. In fact, these pattern recesses 66 and 68 are, for example, punched-out or, for example, laser-cut openings in the base element 62.

The template 60 is placed in front of a card to be processed in a template holder, whereupon the card and another template are placed with a corresponding pattern. With a blunt pen, the pattern can then be "embossed" into the card by driving along the recesses with the stylus.

Within the scope of the inventive concept, numerous modifications and developments are possible, e.g. refer to the holder and alignment of template and template holder or object to be processed and stencil holder.

Instead of the depression shown, projections can also be formed on the template holder, which then form corresponding stops for the object to be processed. Further, instead of the shown retaining pins, e.g. Clamping devices may be provided on the template holder for clamping a template and / or an object to be processed.

In addition to the adapters for adapting the template holder to different formats of the objects to be processed, it is also possible to provide adapters for adapting the template holder to different template formats.

At least essential to the invention is the basic idea of providing a template holder by means of which a position of the object to be processed and the template can be predefined such that a user is largely relieved of his freedom of choice with regard to the orientation of the pattern relative to the surface to be processed. Thus, a corresponding device can also be used in the disabled and for therapeutic purposes in people who are deficient.

Claims (7)

1. A device for applying patterns and/or inscriptions to a substantially planar surface of an article such as in particular a post card or a greeting card, a sheet for insertion into photo albums or a certificate by using at least one stencil, comprising

   - at least one stencil (30) and

   - a stencil holder (10),

   - wherein the stencil holder

   -- has means (16, 18) for securing a predetermined position of the at least one stencil relative to the stencil holder, and

   -- means (20) for securing a predetermined position of the surface to which a pattern and/or inscription are to be applied by means of the stencil, relative to the stencil holder, and

   - wherein the means (20) for securing a predetermined position of the surface to which a pattern und/or inscription are to be applied by means of the stencil relative to the stencil holder,

   -- operate positively and

   -- comprise a recess or indentation (20) in the stencil holder (10),
   characterized in that

   - the means for securing a predetermined position of the at least one stencil relative to the stencil holder comprise elements protruding from the stencil holder, specifically in the form of short securing pins (16), which are adapted to cooperate with respective perforations (34) in the stencils.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one adapter (50) is provided to adapt the means (20) for securing a predetermined position of the surface to which a pattern and/or inscription are to be applied by means of the stencil, relative to the stencil holder (10), to a certain size of articles, particularly a standard paper format.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the adapter is configured in the form of a strip, an angle, an unilaterally open U-shaped frame or a circumferential frame (52).
4. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the adapter is configured in the form of a panel having a receptacle for the article having the surface to be processed.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stencil holder (10) has an indentation (18) such that a stencil (30) inserted forms a surface which substantially is flush with the surface of the stencil holder.
6. A stencil holder (10 for a device for applying patterns and/or inscriptions to a substantially planar surface of an article such as particularly a postal card or greetings card, a sheet for insertion into photo albums or a certificate by using at least one stencil,

   - wherein the stencil holder

   -- has means (16, 18) for securing a predetermined position of the at least one stencil relative to the stencil holder, and

   -- means (20) for securing a predetermined position of the surface to which a pattern and/or inscription are to be applied by means of the stencil, relative to the stencil holder, and

   - wherein the means (20) for securing a predetermined position of the surface to which a pattern und/or inscription are to be applied by means of the stencil, relative to the stencil holder,

   -- operate positively and

   -- comprise a recess or indentation (20) in the stencil holder (10),
   characterized in that

   - the means for locating a predetermined position of the at least one stencil relative to the stencil holder comprise elements protruding from the stencil holder, specifically in the form of short securing pins (16), which are adapted to cooperate with respective perforations (34) in the stencils.
7. The stencil holder (10) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the elements (16) protruding from the stencil holder are designed to be disposed in various positions on the stencil holder.

Images