US2230016A - Stamp affixing device - Google Patents

Description

w. N. ROBERTS 2,230,016 STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed Sep. 22, 1939 4 SheelZS--She'l l WMM@ /L'Hoen @M WMM@ Jan. 28, 1941.

W. N. ROBERTS STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Fild Sept. 22, 1959 IV.' Rober/s.

Jan. 2% i941, W, N, RQBER-lrs 2,239,016

STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed Sept. 22, 1939 4 Sheets-'Sheet 3 W. N. ROBERTS STAMP AFFIXING DEVICE Filed Sept. 22, 1939 Patented Jan. 28, 1941 UNI-TED STATES PATENT OFFICE 26 Claims.

My invention relates to stamp alixing devices.

An important object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above mentioned character, which will feed the stamp, press the stamp 5 upon the object, meisten the same, and sever the stamp from a strip of stamps.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above mentioned character which is small and is adapted to be held in one m hand of the operator, as a tool, for its complete manipulation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the above mentioned character, which will perform its work quickly and accurately.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the above mentioned character which will apply stamps of varying shapes and sizes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device oi the above mentioned character, which will manipulate a strip of stamps, containing a small or large number of stamps.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure l is a perspective View of a stamp apply- :zo ing device embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same, with the casing in the raised position,

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken on line 4 4 of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a, central vertical longitudinal section through the device, the movable casing section being open,

Figure 6 is a transverse vertical section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 2,

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the stamp afiixing device,

Figure 8 is a central vertical section through ,g5 the device, showing the casing in the uppermost position at the starting of the operation,

Figure 9 is a similar View showing the casing partly lowered and the stamp partly fed and spaced from the attaching surface, and,

.zo Figure l0 is a similar view showing the casing moved to the lowermost position with the stamp engaging the attaching surface and positioned beneath the pressure roll.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of 51: illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of (Cl. 21S-33) my invention, the numeral 2l! designates the casing including a relatively stationary section 2l and a movable section 22 hinged to the stationary section 2| as shown at 23. The movable casing section 22 is shown as provided at its top with guide lock flanges 24, receiving a top member 25, the upper surface of which is preferably knurled, as shown. The top member is provided with flanges 26 to engage within the flanges 24, The top member serves to lock the movable casing section 22 in the closed position, but the top member may be slid forwardly so that the flanges 2li are Withdrawn from within the flanges 2li, at which time the casing section 22 is released and is free to be moved to the open position. Any other suitable means may be employed to hold the casing section 22 in the closed position. The purpose of the movable casing section 22 is to provide access to the interior of the casing, for the insertion of stamps, and other means may also be provided to alford this access, if desired.

Means are provided to form a water holding tank 2l in the movable casing section 22. The tank 2l preferably extends around one edge of the movable casing section 22 and across the top and bottom of the same. Access is had to the upper end of the tank 2l, for refilling by a removable cap 28, arranged beneath the top member 25. The tank 2l extends about the bottom of the casing section 22, as explained, and this tank has an upwardly extending shoulder 2t, providing a guide 30 for the stamps.`

Arranged beneath the casing 2t* is a pressure element or roll 32, which serves to apply or iron out the stamp upon the envelope or the like and also to pull the stamp to complete its feeding movement. 'I'his roll is rotatable upon a hori zontal transverse shaft 33, carried by spaced legs 34, vertically arranged, and operating within vertical guides 35, preferably formed upon the interior of the relatively stationary casing section 2|. The casing 20 is normally held raised with respect to the legs 34 by means of a compressible coil spring 3G. When pressure is applied to the top member 25 by the hand, and the pressure roller 32 is engaging a stationary support, the casing 2|] moves down upon the legs 34, as will be more fully described.

Means is provided to lock the casing 26 in the uppermost and lowermost positions with respect to the legs 3ft. This means comprises upper and lower bolts .il and 38, rigidly connected by a vertical bar 39. These bolts are reciprocated horizontally by a thumb-piece 4Q'. The bolts 3l and 38 are adapted to enter notches lll and 42 formed in the leg 34, when the casing is in the lowermost position, and the bolt 33 will enter the notch 4l when the casing is in the uppermost position, the bolt 31 then being above the leg.

Arranged near and above the shoulder 29 is a stamp feed roll 43, which is preferably rubber covered and rotatable upon a fixed horizontal transverse shaft 44. Arranged near and beneath the feed roll 43 is a pressure feed plate 45, the forward end of which is adapted to contact with the stamp and firmly press the same against the feed roll 43. The pressure feed plate is provided with an upwardly bulging rib 46, and a friction strip 41, is attached to or carried by the plate 55'. The bar 41 depresses the stamp with respect to the rib 46, and the elements 46 and 41 serve as friction means to prevent the stamp being fed too freely. Elements 45 and 41 may be omitted if desired. The pressure feed plate has spaced upwardly extending wings 49, preferably integral therewith, and these wings are pivotally mounted upon the relatively stationary casing section 2|, as shown at 50. The wings 49 are connected by a bar 5|, engaged by a compressible leaf spring 52. The function of the spring is to yieldingly hold the pressure feed plate against the feed roll 43, during the feeding movement of the feed roll.

The wings 43 and a portion of the pressure feed plate 45 constitute a magazine for holding va strip of perforated stamps 49. This magazine is inclined and its forward end is covered by a plate 50' having an opening 5| for the passage of the stamps. Ihe magazine has a width greater than the stamp having the maximum width and hence the magazine will hold stamps of various widths and various lengths, the top of the magazine being open. Any suitable form of adjustable guide means 52' may be mounted in the magazine to contact with the edges of the strip of stamps. While I have shown a folded strip of perforated stamps held within the magazine I also contemplate using a coiled strip of perforated stamps or I may also use a strip of non-perforated stamps, but in this event I would have to modify the stamp severing means.

Means is provided to turn the feed roll 43 to cause it to advance the stamp for a distance less than the length of the stamp but for a suiicient distance to present the leading end of the stamp beneath the pressure roll 32, to be gripped by the pressure roll 32. for it is the action of the pressure roll 32 which completes the feeding movement of the stamp and its severance from the strip. The means which turns the feed roll 43 comprises a vertical friction drive plate 53, having a laterally bent top end 54. The friction drive plate 53 has wings 55 which are rigidly attached to the legs 34. This attachment is adjustable and for this purpose the wings have elongated slots 56 to receive bolts 51 adapted to clamp the wings to the legs 34 in the selected adjusted position. The face of the friction drive plate 53 next to the feed roll 43 is disposed to rmly engage with the feed roll 43, to turn the roll 43 when the casing descends with respect to the friction drive plate 53, and the extent of turning movement of the feed roll 43 will depend upon the length of contact between the friction drive plate 53 and the feed roll 43, which length is predetermined so that the feed roll 43 will disengage the lower end of the plate 53 when the stamp has been fed suciently to engage beneath the pressure roll 32 but not fed throughout its entire length. Figure 8 represents the feedroll 43 in the raised position before it is moved downwardly to engage the plate 53 while Figure 9 shows the feed roll 43 moved downwardly to clear the lower end of the plate 53, for the purpose explained, and feed roll 43 occupies the position in Figure 9 when the casing has been shifted downwardly but has not as yet reached the lowermost position.

When the casing is moved downwardly to the lowermost position, means is actuated to shift the pressure plate 45 from the feed roll 43, so that the stamp may be freely drawn beneath these parts by the action of the pressure roll 37.. The means which moves the plate 45 from the feed roll 43 comprises a lever 58 disposed adjacent to each edge of the plate 45, which lever is pivoted between its ends upon the shaft 44. This lever has a rear end or dog 59, having a flat face 63, to engage the pressure plate 45, to shift the plate 45 from the feed roll. The forward or free end of the lever 58 is disposed in the path of travel of a pin 5I secured to the adjacent leg 34.

I also contemplate providing additional manually operated means to move the plate 45 from the feed roll. This means comprises a link 60', pivotally connected with the wing 49 and also pivotally connected with a thumb-piece 65a, disposed upon the opposite side of the casing with respect to the thumb-piece 40.

Means is provided-to sever each perforated stamp from the strip. 'I'his means comprises a blade B2 provided at its ends with trunnions 63, pivoted in knuckles 63. The blade has an upper section 64 provided with a smooth edge and a lower section 55, disposed at an angle with respect to the upper section and having serrations 603 spaced to enter the perforations of the stamp. The lower section 65 is weighted as shown at 61 and the weights tend to hold the blade 52 in the position shown in Figure 9. Springs may be substituted for the weights. The lever 58 has an arm 68, arranged to engage an extension 69 upon the blade 62, and to shift the blade to a generally horizontal position, Figure l0, with the serrations 55 facing upwardly and in an opposite direction to the feed of the stamp. The plate 45 is moved from the roll 43 about simultaneously with the movement of the blade 62 to the horizontal position, Figure 10. Each leg 34 has an upper pin 10, which engages the lever 58 and swings it down, when the casing is returned to the uppermost position.

The tank 21 is provided at its lower forward end with the curved guide 33, which extends downwardly toward the pressure roll 32. This curved guide has an opening for receiving a moistening element or Wick 12, as shown. There is a pivoted guide 12 and the stamp passes beneath it. The tank 21 is provided with a separate moistening element or wick 13, covered by a removable cap 13', and which wick 13 may be used in sealing envelopes.

The operation of the device is as follows:

When the casing 2i] is in the uppermost position, each pin 10 has tripped its lever 58 and the dog 59 releases the pressure feed plate 45, which now presses the stamp against the feed roll 43. The pressure roll 32 engages with the fixed support such as an envelope upon a table. When the casing 20 is moved downwardly from the uppermost position, Figure 8, the feed roll 43 engages the friction feed plate 53 and the feed roll 43 is turned by its engagement with the friction feed plate. When the casing has reached it clears the upper end of the plate 53.

Til

the lowered position but before it has reached the lowermost position, Figure 9, feed roll 43 disengages plate 53 and hence its rotation is stopped. By this time, the feed roll 43 has fed the stamp a sufficient distance to cause the same when the casing is subsequently moved to its lowermost position, to contact with the envelope and to be in a position to be engaged by the pressure roll 32, but the stamp has not been fed for its entire length. The further downward movement of the casing 20 moves each pin 6I to engage lever 58 and swing it upwardly whereby the pressure feed plate 45 is separated from the now stationary roll 43, and the blade B2 which has heretofore functioned as a guide, is swung to a generally horizontal position so that its serrations face upwardly in an opposite direction to the feed of the stamps. The stamp is fed with its gummed side lowermost and travels over and in contact with the moistening element or wick l2 and is hence moistened. With the casing still held in the lowermost position, and the pressure roller 32 engaging the envelope and stamp, the entire device is shifted by a rolling action of the roller in a direction toward the stamp. This results in the roller firmly pressing the stamp to the envelope and exerting a pull upon the stamp to effect the feeding of the stamp for the remainder of its length, and the serrations 66 enter the perforations of the stamp. During this operation, the plate 45 is separated from the stationary roller 43 and the stamp will feed freely between these parts by the action of the roller 32 until the serrations enter the perforations, and when this occurs, the leading stamp is separated from the strip, but the leading end of the next stamp is positioned well between the plate 45 and the feed roll 43 so that the next stamp will be properly fed upon the next cycle of operation. If it is desired to use the roller 32 to seal the envelopes, the casing may be locked in the lowermost position, by the manipulation of the thumb-piece 43, as explained. "When the afflxing of the leading stamp is completed, the casing 28 is returned to the uppermost position, and when the feed roll 43 again engages plate 53 the feed roll will be turned until However, the feed roll 43 will not feed the stamp upon this upward movement of the casing, because the lever 5B remains in a set position with the dog 59 engaging and holding the plate 45 separated from the feed roll 43 and hence the feed roll has no driving frictional engagement with the then leading stamp. At about the time that the casing reaches or approaches its uppermost position, each lever 58' engages the upper pin 10, which trips the lever and causes the dog 59 to release the plate 45 which again presses the stamp into rm frictional engagement with the feed roll 43. The weight 6B will automatically return the blade t2 to the normal upright position when the blade is disengaged by the free end of the arm 63, and all parts of the machine are again reset so that the cycle of operation may be repeated.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a stamp aiiixing device, means for holding a strip of stamps, a pressure element connected with the holding means, the holding means and pressure element having relative movement, means operated upon said relative movement to feed the leading stamp toward the pressure element for engagement with the pressure element, the pressure element holding the stamp upon the work when the holding means is moved from the affixed portion of the stamp so that the stamp is pulled, and means to sever the stamp from the strip after it is engaged by the pressure element and pulled.

2. In a stamp aixing device, a support, a pressure element carrying the support, means mounted upon the support for relative movement with relation to the support and serving to hold a strip of stamps, a feed roll mounted upon said means to advance the leading stamp toward the pressure element, and a friction element mounted upon the support to engage with the feed roll for turning the same when the holding means is moved with relation to the support.

3. In a stamp afflxing device, a support, a pressure element carried by the support, means for holding a strip of stamps and mounted upon the support for movement with relation thereto, a feed roll mounted upon the holding means to advance the leading stamp toward the pressure element, a plate mounted upon the support and arranged to engage the periphery of the feed roll to turn the feed roll, an element to shift the stamp into engagement with the feed roll, and means to move the element from the feed roll.

4. In a stamp aiiixng device, an upstanding support, a pressure element carried by the support, means for holding a strip of stamps and mounted upon the upstanding support to be raised and lowered with relation thereto, a feed roll mounted upon the holding means to feed the leading stamp toward the pressure element, an element mounted upon the support to turn the feed roll when the feed roll is shifted downwardly upon the support, a pressure plate arranged near the feed roll to press the stamp against the feed roll, and means to shift the pressure plate from the feed roll when the feed roll is shifted downwardly a selected distance.

5. In a stamp affixing devi-ce, an upstanding support, a pressure element carried by the support, means for holding a strip of stamps and mounted upon the upstanding support to be raised and lowered with relation thereto, a feed roll mounted upon the holding means to feed the leading stamp toward the pressure element, an element mounted upon the support to turn the feed roll when the feed roll is shifted downwardly upon the support, a pressure plate arranged near the feed roll to press the stamp against the feed roll, a pivoted lever mounted upon the holding means and having a part to engage the pressure plate to shift the same from the feed roll, and a trip arranged upon the support to engage and shift the lever.

6. In a stamp aflixing device, an upstanding support, a pressure element carried by the support, means for holding a strip of stamps and mounted upon the upstanding support to be raised and lowered with relation thereto, a feed roll mounted upon the holding means to feed the leading stamp toward the pressure element, an element mounted upon the support to turn the feed roll when the feed roll is shifted downwardly upon the support, a pressure plate arranged near the feed roll to press the stamp against the feed roll, a pivoted lever carried by the holding means and having a part to engage the pressure plate and shift it from the feed roll, a trip mounted upon the support to engage and shift the lever, a severing device to act upon the stamps, and means operated by the lever to actuate the severing device.

'7. In a stamp axing device, means for holding a perforated strip of stamps, means to feed the strip from the holding means, a plate over which the strip is passed, said plate having serrations to enter the perforations, means to move the plate so that its serrations extend in a direction opposite to the travel of the strip, and means to exert a pull upon the strip and disposed forwardly of the plate.

8` In a stamp aflixing device, means for holding a perforated strip of stamps,feeding means to advance the strip from the holding means including opposed elements, means to operate the feeding means, means to separate the opposed elements, a blade arranged to have the strip passing from the feeding means travel over the same, said blade being provided with a longitudinal set of serrations, means to turn the blade upon its longitudinal axis, and holding means to engage the leading stamp forwardly of said plate.

9. In a stamp affixing device, an upstanding support, a pressure roll carrying the support, means for holding a strip of stamps and mounted upon the support to be raised and lowered with relation thereto, means to raise the holding means with relation to the support, a feed roll mounted upon the holding means, a stationary plate mounted upon the support to turn the feed roll when the holding means is lowered, a pressure plate for coaction with the feed roll, a pivoted lever carried by the holding means to move the pressure plate from the feed roll, a trip carried by the support to move the lever so that it shifts the plate from the feed roll, a second trip mounted upon the support to move the lever in an opposite direction, means to supply water to the lower face of the strip, a device to sever the leading stamp from the strip, and means to lock the holding device in one position when shifted thereto with relation to the support.

1Q. In a stamp axing device, a lower part, a pressure element connected with the lower part to press the stamp upon the object, an upper part mounted upon the lower part and movable downwardly from a raised position with relation to the lower part, and stamp feed means mounted upon one part for engaging a strip of stamps for holding the strip spaced from the pressure element when the upper part is in the raised position and moving the strip downwardly into substantial engagement with the pressure element when the upper part is moved to the lowered position, the pressure element being manipulated to apply the stamp to the object.

11. In a stamp anixing device, a relatively stationary part, a pressure element connected with the relatively stationary part to apply the stamp to the object, a movable part connected with the stationary part and shiftable downwardly from a raised position toward the object, means for holding a strip of stamps, and means to feed the strip toward the pressure element and automatically actuated upon the downward movement of the movabley part.

12. In a stamp aflixing device, a stationary part, a pressure element connected with the stationary part to apply the stamp to the work, a movable part connected with the stationary part and movable downwardly, means for holding a strip of stamps, means operated upon the downward movement of the movable part to feed the strip toward the pressure element, and means to render the feed means incapable of feeding the strip in a reverse direction when the movable part moves upwardly.

13. In a stamp afhXing device, a stationary part, a pressure element connected with the stationary part to apply the stamp to the work, a movable part connected with the stationary part and movable downwardly, means for holding a strip of stamps, and means to feed the strip in one direction only to bring the same adjacent to the pressure element, the feeding means being operated upon the downward movement of the movable part.

14. In a stamp afxing device, a stationary part, a pressure roll associated with the stationary part for applying the stamp to the object, a movable part connected with the stationary part and shiftable downwardly toward the object, means for holding a strip of stamps, a guide device serving to deliver the strip into contact with the side of the roll so that the strip will pass beneath the roll and be applied to the object, and means operated upon the downward movement of the movable part to feed the strip toward the A roll.

15. In a stamp a'ixing device, a stationary part, a pressure roll associated with the stationary part for applying the stamp to the object, a movable part mounted upon the stationary part, means for holding a strip of stamps, a guide device to deliver the strip to the object so that the strip will pass beneath the roll, a feed roll to advance the strip toward the object, means operated upon the downward movement of the movable part to turn the feed roll.

16. In a stamp aflxing device, a stationary part, a pressure element associated with the stationary part for applying the stamp to the object, a movable part connected with the stationary part and movable downwardly, means for holding a strip of stamps, means to feed the strip toward the pressure element including a roll carried by one part, and a plate carried by the other part to engage the roll and turn it.

17. In a stamp affixing device, a stationary part, a pressure element associated with the stationary part for applying the stamp to the object, a movable part connected with the stationary part and movable downwardly, means for holding a strip of stamps, means including a feed roll to feed the strip toward the pressure roll, means operated upon the downward movement of the movable part to turn the feed roll and a moistener to apply water to that face of the strip remote from the feed roll and pressure roll, the moistener being spaced from both rolls.

18. In a stamp afxing device, a support, a pressure element connected with the support to press the stamp upon the object, a supporting structure connected with the support and movable downwardly with relation to the support from a raised position toward the object, means for holding a strip of stamps, means automatically actuated upon the downward movement of the supporting structure to feed the strip toward the pressure element and to release the strip when the supporting structure substantially reaches the lowermost position, the pressure element holding the stamp upon the work so that the strip is pulled when the device is shiftedI over the work.

I9. In a stamp afxing device, a support, a pressure element connected with the support to press the stamp upon the object, a supporting structure connected with the support and mo-vable downwardly with relation to the support from a raised position toward the object, means for holding a strip of stamps, means automatically operated upon the downward movement of the supporting structure to feed the strip into engagement with the pressure element, and means to cause the feed means to release the strip after the strip is moved downwardly to engage both the pressure element and the object.

20. In a stamp aifixing device,a support,apressure element connected with the support to press the stamp upon the object, a supporting structure connected with the support and movable downwardly with relation to the support from a raised position toward the object, means for holding a strip of stamps, guide means mounted upon the supporting structure to deliver the strip into contact with the side portion of the pressure element so that the strip will pass substantially beneath the pressure element, means mounted upon the supporting structure and automatically operated upon the downward movement of the supporting structure to feed the strip, and means to cause the feeding means to release the strip.

21. In a stamp affixing device, a support, a pressure roll having the support secured thereto, a supporting structure mounted upon the support and adapted to reciprocate with relation thereto, means for holding a strip of stamps, a guide device for the strip mounted upon the supporting structure and serving to deliver the strip adjacent to the pressure roll so that the strip will pass beneath the pressure roll, a feed roll to advance the strip with relation to the supporting structure, means to turn the feed roll when the supporting structure is moved toward the pressure roll, means to meisten the strip, the pressure roll serving to hold the stamp upon the work so that the strip is pulled when the device is shifted over the Work, and means to cause the leading stamp to be separated from the strip due to the pulling action upon the strip.

22. In a stamp afixing device, relatively movable connected parts, a pressure element connected with one part, means for holding a perforated strip of stamps and automatically operated upon the relative movement between the parts to move the stamp toward the pressure element, the feed means operating independently of the movement o-f the pressure element, the pressure element moving over the stamp when the connected parts are shifted bodily with relation tothe stamp to exert a holding action upon the stamp and to apply the stamp to the object, a member having teeth, and means automatically operated by the relative movement between the parts to move the member so that the teeth are shifted to a position whereby they may enter the perforations of the strip.

23. In a stamp axing device, a stationary part, a pressure element associated with the stationary part, a movable part connected with the stationary part, means for holding a perforated strip of stamps and automatically operated by the movable part to move the strip toward the pressure element, the pressure element moving over the stamp when the connected parts are shifted bodily with relation to the stamp to exert a holding action upon the stamp and to apply the stamp to the object, a member having teeth, means automatically operated lby the moveable part to move the member so that the teeth are shifted to a position whereby they may enter the perforations of the strip, and automatic means to return the member to the normal position when the movable part returns to its normal position so that its teeth will not obstruct the feeding movement of the strip upon the next cycle of operation.

24. In a stamp afiiXing device, a support having a movable part, a pressure element connected with the support, means operated by the movable part to partly apply the stamp to the object by feeding the stamp so that it contacts with the object and is positioned to be engaged by the pressure element, the application of the stamp upon the object being completed by the action of the pressure element as the pressure element is shifted over the stamp, and means to sever the stamp during the' completion of its application to the object by the pulling action upon the stamp caused by the shifting of the device over the work while the stamp is held to the work.

25. In a stamp afxing device, relatively movable connected parts, a pressure element connected with one part to press the stamp upon the object, stamp feed means mounted upon one part, means for automatically operating the stamp feed means upon the relative movement between the parts, the stamp feed means operating independently of the movement of the pressure element, the pressure element moving over the stamp when the connected parts are shifted bodily with relation to the stamp to apply the stamp to the object.

26. In a stamp alxing device a relatively stationary part, a part connected with the relatively stationary part and movable with relation thereto. a pressure element connected with the relatively stationary part to press the stamp upon the object, stamp feed means mounted upon one part to move the stamp to a position adjacent to the pressure element, means for automatically operating the stamp feed means upon the movement of the relatively movable part, the feed means operating independently of the movement of the pressure element, the pressure element moving over the stamp when the connected parts are shifted bodily to apply the stamp to the object.

WILLIAM N. ROBERTS.

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