Pre-Linked Stamp Construction

This invention is directed to an improvement in and the construction of a holder or mount for a pre-inked or porous stamp and comprising an outer shell and a stamp core reciprocally mounted therein. The improvement of this invention relates to the provision of complementary elongated ribs formed on both the shell and core which contact and guide the core within the shell during relative reciprocal movement.

One object of the present invention is to provide a preinked stamp construction having a stamp core which moves with relative ease within an outer shell during long periods of use. Another object is to increase the normal wear life pre-inked stamps, while simultaneously improving the quality of impressions made with the stamp.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, forming a part of the application, and in which like parts are identified by like reference numerals:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in a pre-inked or porous stamp construction, parts thereof being shown in an exploded relationship;

FIG. 2 is a perspective and detailed view of the stamp core;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section of the stamp shell taken on lines 3--3 of FIG. 1 but illustrating the parts in assembly;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the pre-inked stamp taken on lines 4--4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a vertical section taken on the broken line 5--5 of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 1 in particular, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention in a pre-inked or porous stamp having a mount that essentially comprises a shell 10, a stamp core 11 and a handle 12. Shell 10 is formed with a cavity having a substantially rectangular shape defined by four interior side walls 13, 14, 15 and 16 and a top wall 17 having a collar 18 that defines a central opening therethrough. Side walls 13, 14, 15 and 16 are preferably formed with a downward and outward taper to enhance the manufacture by molding processes. More importantly, however, the interior walls are integrally formed with elongated ribs 19a-19h, each rib having parallel contact surfaces which also parallel the central opening through collar 18.

Stamp core 11 is mounted within the cavity of shell 10 for relative reciprocal movement, as shown in FIG. 3. Core 11 is formed with a substantially rectangular exterior defined by four exterior side walls 20, 21, 22 and 23 and an upper wall 24 from which there extends handle support shaft 25. A plurality of contact ribs 26a-26h are formed on the exterior side walls, a pair of such ribs being formed on each exterior side wall aligned with and slidably engageable with an associated pair of ribs on an interior side wall of shell 10. Thus, the ribs of the shell and stamp core serve to contact each other and guide the core within the shell during relative reciprocal movement. The elongated ribs formed on the exterior side walls of the stamp core are preferably rounded to reduce the area of frictional contact with the ribs of the shell and thereby enhance smoothness of reciprocal movement during a stamping operation.

Referring to FIG. 5, handle 12 is secured to the upper end of handle shaft 25 with a spring 27 lodged in a recess formed in the handle and bearing against the upper end of collar 18. In operation, spring 27 serves to bias and lift the stamp core within shell 10 following each manual actuation.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims, and each of such modifications and changes is contemplated.