GB2283944A - Stencil transcribing device. - Google Patents

Abstract

A stencil copying device (e.g. a lettering kit) comprises an engraved stencil 11, a rectilinear guide 13, and a scribing tool composed of a cruciform arrangement of two mutually slidably and pivotally adjustable arms 1, 2. One arm 1 bears an inscribing instrument at one end, and a pin 5 for following the rectilinear guide 13 at the other end. The other arm 2 bears a stylus for engaging the engravements of the stencil at one end, and a leg for supporting the tool on the paper at the other end. Adjustment of the point of intersection of the arms results in variation in the size, obliquity and proportion of characters transcribed from the stencil. In use the guide 13 is provided with an off-centre groove 16 and guiding marginal edges. The guide 13 may be placed with the groove either adjacent or opposite the marginal edge nearest the stencil 11, and the follower pin 5 may either run in the groove 16 or run against a marginal edge of the guide 13, or be spaced therefrom by a disc 12 (selected from a plurality of different size discs). These alternatives increase the degree of variability over that conferred by adjustment of the point of intersection of the arms alone. <IMAGE>

Description

MULTIPLE STYLE LETTER STENCILLING SYSTEM This invention relates to a multiple letter stencilling system.

On the market today there are few if any letter stencilling systems that enable the user to print or engrave different styles and sizes of lettering from one letter stencil.

The system described can be used for stencilling letters onto many different surfaces, by replacing the pen FIG 2, with a small hobby drill FIG 1. The user can also engrave yet again onto many different surfaces ie: glass, soft metals, wood and laminated plastics used for producing office signs and name badges etc.

This invention comprises the following technical features.

SLIDE 1 and 2 (FIG 1) Both slides have slots cut along the centre of the length of the slide to enable a bolt 3 to pass through both slides 1 & 2 clamping them together prior to printing or engraving. Both slides are calibrated in equal units to enable the user to record a set position for the size and style of letter to be produced.

FIG 3 indicates two points x and y. At these two points readings can be taken. Example reading FIG 3: Slide 1 (Al 10.5) - (B1 15) Slide 2 (A2 24.5) - (B2 21) STYLUS POINTS 4 AND 5 (Figs 1 and 3) Two stylus points 4 and 5 are placed into the two slots, on slides 1 and 2 respectively. Both styli are made from threaded bolts shaped at one end to form the stylus point. The styli are secured at the desired height and position from underneath the respective slide by a nut as seen on FIG 4.

THE ADJUSTABLE PEN AND DRILL HOLDER 6 (Figs 2 and 3) Slide 1 also incorporates an adjustable pen and drill holder to take up to a 25 mm diameter pen or a hobby drill for engraving.

The holder is hinged by the adjustable depth of cut gauge bolt 8, and is tightened by screw 7.

DEPTH GAUGE 8 The depth of cut is adjusted by the depth gauge bolt 8, by turning the bolt clockwise or anti-clockwise. A small calibrated disc 9 is passed through the top of the bolt and turns with it, a point of reference mark is made on top of slide 1 at the edge of the disc so the depth of cut can be recorded. When using the pen in place of the drill the bolt is moved upwards so it does not obstruct the printing mode, shown FIG 2.

ADJUSTABLE REST 10 FIGS 1, 3 & 4 When printing and engraving, an adjustable rest is secured at the desired position on slide 2 to ensure the steady operation of letter reproduction. When the user has gained sufficient confidence and proficiency in operating this stencilling system the adjustable rest 10 does not have to be used. As with the styli the rest is a threaded bolt that fits by passing it through the slot on slide 2 and is bolted at the desired position and height from under the slide.

STENCIL 11 FIG 1 The stencil is a rectangular plate with letters figures etc engraved onto it. The thickness of the letters etc is sufficient enough to take the stylus point 4 without there being any slack movement, so accurate letter reproduction can be achieved. The letters of the alphabet are sloped backwards 22 degrees maximum, this allows the user to reproduce backwards sloping letters if the need arises.

STYLUS DISC 12 FIG 1 - STRAIGHT EDGE 13 FIGS 1 and 3 To ensure accurate reproduction of lettering the stylus point 5 must always be parallel to the straight edge 13. There are two methods of achieving this: 1) The use of a stylus disc 12.

2) To have a groove 16 cut into the straight edge parallel to the working edge to accommodate the stylus point 5 shown in Fig 3.

Different size diameter discs can be used for achieving different size lettering; this has the advantage of avoiding re-adjustment of the two slides 1 & 2, also a larger selection of letter sizes and styles can be achieved. By turning the straight edge, the thin groove is now further away from the base of the stencil 11, hence the user can now produce smaller lettering without readjusting the two slides.

DRILL SUPPORT 14 FIGS 1, 3 & 4 An additional support is needed to hold the hobby drill firm and steady when engraving, shown FIG 1. This support is not needed when using a pen for printing, shown FIG 2.

LETTER SPACER 15 FIGS 1, 3 & 4 In order that letters can be spaced accurately an adjustable letter spacer is secured under slide 1. The spacer is pivoted at three points to enable it to move in all directions for adjustment purposes. When spacing letters the pointer of the adjustable letter spacer 15 is fixed at the level of the pen point or engraving point to the desired distance. Once one letter has been produced the pointer will be located at the end of the letter that has just been drawn, then the next letter can be drawn giving uniform spacing.

LETTER SIZE SETTINGS There are many different settings for the user to choose from, stylus points can be fixed at different points along the two slides and the slides can also be fixed in different configurations. To increase the height of a letter, slide 2 should be moved towards the end of slide 1, with stylus point 5 also moved and secured at the far end of slide 1. To decrease the height of a letterstylus point 4 should be fixed at or around the zero mark at the beginning of slide 2. Slide 2 is also moved towards the direction of the zero mark on slide 1 FIG 1.

OPERATING METHODS 1 Using the stylus disc:- Set stylus points and slides 1 & 2 to the desired position making sure that all points are secured. Stylus point 5 is placed in the centre of the stylus disc. Stylus point 4 is then located in the chosen letter. By tracking the letter with the stylus, at the same time keeping the disc parallel to the straight edge 13, the letter will then be reproduced onto the work surface.

2 Using the thin groove:- This method is the same as above, but instead of using the stylus disc, a narrow thin groove 16 is used for locating stylus 5, keeping the point parallel to the straight edge.

Claims (11)

1. A stencilling system comprising a stencil plate, a first stylus for tracking the lettering on the stencil plate, a stencilling tool coupled to the first stylus for transcribing the stencil lettering tracked by the first stylus at a desired location on a working surface, and a second stylus coupled to the stencilling tool and being constrained for movement in a rectilinear path of travel, said second stylus providing a support point around which the stencilling tool may pivot during a stencilling procedure.

2. A stencilling system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the position of the stencilling tool is adjustable with respect to the position of the first and second styluses.

3. A stencilling system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second stylus is mounted on a disc, said path of travel being provided by a straight edge against which abuts the stencil plate and the disc such that the path of travel is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate.

4. A stencilling system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the path of travel is provided by a guide member provided with a longitudinal groove, said second stylus engaging the groove in the guide member.

5. A stencilling system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stencilling tool is mounted at one end of a first elongate slide, the other end bearing said second stylus, said first stylus being mounted at the end of a second elongate slide adjustably mounted on said first elongate slide.

6. A stencilling system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first and second styluses are mounted in slots formed along the second and the first elongate slides respectively for movement longitudinally thereof.

7. A stencilling system as claimed in claim 6 wherein an adjustable securing bolt passes through the superimposed slots in the first and second slides relatively to provide pivotal and longitudinal adjustability therebetween.

8. A stencilling system as claimed in claims 6 or 7 wherein the other end of said second elongate slide carries in the slot thereof an adjustably mounted support member.

9. A stencilling system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stencilling tool is provided with an adjustable letter spacer pivotally mounted for movement to control uniformity of spacing between the letters transcribed from the stencil plate.

10. A stencilling system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stencilling tool is an engraver or printing tool.

11. A stencilling system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.