System and method for installing and using graphical dies

Abstract

A system and method for aligning and installing graphical dies onto an embossing press or foil stamping press is provided. The system includes a number of die support panels having a number of threaded openings disposed in columns and rows in a grid like fashion and identified with x and y axis indicia. The system also includes a number of dies with a number of apertures each identified with a pair of x and y axis indicia. Fasteners and indicia are used to align and attach the dies to the die support panels in a predetermined position. The system preferable further comprises one or more adjusters used to make minute positioning adjustments to the die after it is installed on the panel.

Claims

1. A die system comprising: a) one or more die support panels, each of said one or more die support panels comprising a plurality of openings disposed substantially equidistantly in a substantially grid like pattern in a plurality of rows and columns, each one said one or more die support panels having a plurality of y-axis indicia, each one of said plurality of y-axis indicia being disposed substantially adjacently with a corresponding row of said openings, each one said one or more die support panels further having a plurality of x-axis indicia, each one of said plurality of x-axis indicia being disposed substantially adjacently with a corresponding column of said openings, wherein each pair of one of said x-axis indicia and one of said y-axis indicia reference and correspond to one of said plurality of openings; b) one or more dies, each of said one or more dies comprising a top surface having a graphic design thereon and a recessed region surrounding said graphic design, each die further having one or more apertures disposed in said recessed region, each aperture being referenced and identified with a pair of one of said plurality of x-axis and one of said plurality of y-axis indicia disposed substantially adjacently thereto; and c) a plurality of positioning fasteners, each one of said plurality of positioning fasteners corresponding with and being adapted to mate with one of said apertures of one of said dies and one of said openings of said die support panel that corresponds with said pair of x-axis and y-axis indicia disposed next to said aperture, wherein said dies may be properly aligned and selectively attached to said die support panel in a predetermined proper location.

2. The die system of claim 1, wherein said one or more dies further comprise one or more through-holes, each through-hole being referenced and identified with a pair of one of said plurality of x-axis and one of said plurality of y-axis indicia disposed substantially adjacently thereto.

3. The die system of claim 2, wherein said system further comprises one or more connectors, each of said connectors corresponding with and being adapted to mate with one of said through-holes of one of said dies and one of said openings of said die support panel that corresponds with said pair of x-axis and y-axis indicia disposed next to said through-hole, wherein said dies may be properly aligned and selectively attached to said die support panel in a predetermined proper location.

4. The die system of claim 3, wherein said one or more connectors comprise one or more thumb screws.

5. The die system of claim 4, wherein each of said die has fewer through-holes than apertures.

6. The die system of claim 5, wherein said thumb screws further comprise a knurled head with a downwardly extending annular shoulder.

7. The die system of claim 6, wherein said through-holes are disposed in the recessed region of said one or more dies.

8. The die system of claim 1, wherein each of said one or more apertures further comprises a recessed countersunk region.

9. The die system of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of positioning fasteners comprises a screw.

10. The die system of claim 9, wherein each of said screws comprises a head having a height that is less than the depth of the recessed countersunk regions of said apertures.

11. The die system of claim 10, wherein said screws are Allen screws each having an opening thereon for selectively receiving an Allen wrench.

12. The die system of claim 9, wherein said x-axis indicia are alphanumeric.

13. The die system of claim 12, wherein said y-axis indicia are alphanumeric.

14. The die system of claim 1, wherein said die support panel further comprises a plurality of etched gridlines, each of said gridlines corresponding with one of said y-axis indicia or one of said x-axis indicia.

15. The die system of claim 1, further comprising one or more adjusters selectively attached to the die support panel and positioned adjacent to a side of the die, wherein the one or more adjusters are configured to optionally contact the side of the die.

16. The die system of claim 15, wherein the die further comprises a plurality of sides, wherein at least one of the adjusters is positioned adjacent to each of the plurality of sides of the die, respectively, and wherein each of the adjusters is configured to optionally contact one side of the die.

17. A method for aligning and attaching one or more dies to an embossing or foil stamping press, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing one or more die support panels, each of said one or more die support panels comprising being installed on an embossing press or a foil stamping press and having a plurality of openings disposed substantially equidistantly in a substantially grid like pattern in a plurality of rows and columns, each one said one or more die support panels having a plurality of y-axis indicia, each one of said plurality of y-axis indicia being disposed substantially adjacently with a corresponding row of said openings, each one said one or more die support panels further having a plurality of x-axis indicia, each one of said plurality of x-axis indicia being disposed substantially adjacently with a corresponding column of said openings, wherein each pair of one of said x-axis indicia and one of said y-axis indicia reference and correspond to one of said plurality of openings; b) providing one or more dies, each of said one or more dies comprising a top surface having a graphic design thereon and a recessed region surrounding said graphic design, each die further having one or more apertures disposed in said recessed region, each aperture being referenced and identified with a pair of one of said plurality of x-axis and one of said plurality of y-axis indicia disposed substantially adjacently thereto; c) providing a plurality of positioning fasteners; d) using the pairs of x-axis and y-axis indicia disposed next to each aperture of said dies to align said apertures above corresponding openings of said die support panel that correspond with said pairs of x-axis and y-axis indicia disposed next to said apertures; e) selectively attaching said dies to said die support panel with said plurality of fasteners.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps (immediately after the providing dies step) of: providing said one or more dies with one or more through-holes, each through-hole being referenced and identified with a pair of one of said plurality of x-axis and one of said plurality of y-axis indicia disposed substantially adjacently thereto; providing one or more connectors; using the pairs of x-axis and y-axis indicia disposed next to each through-hole of said dies to align said through-holes above corresponding openings of said die support panel that correspond with said pairs of x-axis and y-axis indicia disposed next to said through-holes; temporarily and selectively pre-installing said dies to said die support panel with said one or more connectors.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of selectively attaching one or more adjusters to the die support panel in a position adjacent to a side of the die, wherein the one or more adjusters are configured to optionally contact the side of the die.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the die further comprises a plurality of sides, wherein at least one of the adjusters is positioned adjacent to each of the plurality of sides of the die, and wherein each of the adjusters is configured to optionally contact at least one side of the die.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a die adapted for use with a die alignment system provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary thumb screw and an exemplary positioning screw for attaching a die to a die support plate provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a die support plate having a plurality of dies aligned and mounted thereon provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 depicts in close-up a portion of the die support plate of FIG. 3.

(5) FIG. 5 depicts an adjuster provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 depicts an alternative view of the adjuster provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) With reference to the figures and elements referenced therein, an improved system and method for aligning and installing graphical dies is provided. It should be appreciated that the embodiments described and shown herein are exemplary in nature only and that various additional embodiments are contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the embodiments shown and described herein are directed towards a traditional flat embossing press, it should be appreciated that the present invention is readily adaptable for use with other press configurations, such as a rotary press. Additionally, although certain types of graphical dies may be shown and described herein for illustrative purposes, it should be appreciated that the system and method of the present invention is applicable no matter the type of graphical dies being used (i.e. embossing dies, debossing dies, foil stamping dies, etc.) With specific reference to FIGS. 3-4, the die system of the present invention comprises one or more die support panels 42. As can be seen in the Figs., each die support panel 42 further comprises a plurality of preferably threaded openings 44. According to an important aspect of the present invention, the openings 44 are preferably disposed substantially equidistantly in a grid like pattern and as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(8) FIG. 1 depicts a die 10 provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as will be described more fully below.

(9) FIG. 2 depicts a thumb screw/connector 24 and a positioning fastener/screw 32, both provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as will be described more fully below.

(10) With specific reference to FIGS. 3-4, the die system of the present invention comprises one or more die support panels 42. As can be seen in the Figs., each die support panel 42 further comprises a plurality of preferably threaded openings 44. According to an important aspect of the present invention, the openings 44 are preferably disposed substantially equidistantly in a grid like pattern and as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(11) Preferably, each die support panel 42 is comprised of any suitably durable metal or metal alloy. More preferably, the die support panels are comprised of steel or aluminum. The die support panels may be of any suitable dimensions depending on the dimensions of the press being utilized.

(12) More specifically, the openings 44 are preferably organized substantially uniformly into a plurality of rows and columns and aligned openings 44. More preferably, as best shown in FIGS. 3-4, there is provided on the top surface of the die support panels a plurality of x-axis indicia 40 each of which serves to identify a particular column of the openings 44. Preferably the x-axis indicia 40 are alphanumeric though this is not necessary. Preferably, and as seen in FIGS. 3-4, the x-axis indicia comprise a plurality of sequential numbers and are each etched above a corresponding column of openings.

(13) Similarly, and as best shown in FIG. 3, there is also provided on the top surface of the die support panels a plurality of y-axis indicia 38 each of which serves to identify a particular row of the openings 44. Preferably, the y-axis indicia are also alphanumeric though this is not necessary. More preferably, the y-axis indicia comprise a plurality of letters (single letter and then double letters when there are more than 26 rows on the die support panel 42) and are each etched to the left of a corresponding row of openings. It should be appreciated that the x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia may be etched in alternate locations that sufficiently identify the associated rows and columns.

(14) The significance of which will be detailed later, it should be appreciated that the arrangement of rows and columns of openings 44 (wherein the various rows and columns are each respectively associated with a y-axis indicia 38 and an x-axis indicia 40) result in a situation wherein each opening 44 may be uniquely identified with a pair of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38. For example, the uppermost and leftmost opening in FIG. 3 may be identified by the y-axis indicia “A” together with the x-axis indicia “1”—i.e. (A,1).

(15) Preferably, and as best seen in FIGS. 3-4, the die support panels 42 are also provided with a plurality of etched gridlines 46 that are etched in such a manner that they “link” the various columns and rows of openings 44. The gridlines 46 advantageously assist an observer with identifying which particular opening is being referenced by a given pair of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38. As mentioned previously, the openings 44 are also preferably at least partially threaded.

(16) As best shown in FIGS. 1, 3-4, the die system of the present invention comprises and contemplates the incorporation of one or more dies 10. Preferably, each die 10 has a top surface upon which a raised graphic design 12 has been etched thereon in any one of the etching processes as is known in the art. The top surface of the die 10 also comprises a recessed region 14 that substantially surrounds the area of the graphic design 12.

(17) The dies 10 preferably comprise one or more apertures 16 disposed in the recessed region 14 of the die 10. As can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, each aperture 16 is preferably identified with a pair 22 of one of said plurality of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38. Preferably, each such identifying pair of x-axis and y-axis indicia are etched substantially adjacently with a corresponding aperture. For example, and with reference to FIG. 1, the uppermost and leftmost aperture 16 is identified by the x-axis and y-axis pair 22 of indicia “D 5”. Similarly, the lowermost and leftmost aperture 16 in FIG. 1 is identified by the x-axis and y-axis pair 22 of indicia “G 4”.

(18) As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3-4, each aperture 16 preferably is substantially centered within a recessed countersunk region 18 having a larger diameter than the corresponding aperture 16. The apertures 16 are preferably not threaded but it is contemplated that they could also be threaded with threads of the same dimensions as the threads in the openings 44 of the die support panels 42.

(19) As best shown in FIGS. 1, 3-4, each die 10 further preferably comprises one or more through-holes 20. Preferably each through-hole 20 is disposed in the recessed region 14 of the die 10. The through-holes 20 are preferably not threaded but it is contemplated that they could also be threaded with threads of the same dimensions as the threads in the openings 44 of the die support panels 42. If a die comprises through-holes 20, it is preferable that the die 10 comprises fewer through-holes 20 than it has countersunk apertures 16.

(20) As can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, each through-hole 20 is preferably identified with a pair 22 of one of said plurality of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38. Preferably, each such identifying pair 22 of x-axis and y-axis indicia are etched substantially adjacently with a corresponding through-hole 20. For example, and with reference to FIG. 1, the uppermost and rightmost through-hole 20 is identified by the x-axis and y-axis pair 22 of indicia “D 11”. Similarly, the lowermost and leftmost through-hole 20 in FIG. 1 is identified by the x-axis and y-axis pair 22 of indicia “G 6”.

(21) As can best be seen in FIGS. 1-4, and particularly in FIG. 2, the die system of the present invention further comprises a plurality of positioning fasteners 32. Preferably, each positioning fastener 32 comprises a screw. Each positioning fastener 32 preferably comprises a threaded region 36 that corresponds with and is adapted to mate and is configured to be fixedly received in the threaded openings 44 of the die support panels 42.

(22) Preferably, the head of each positioning fastener 32 comprises a height or thickness that is equal to or less than the depth of the recessed countersunk regions 18 of the apertures 16. More preferably, the positioning fasteners 32 comprise Allen screws that each have a head having a recess 34 for receiving an Allen wrench.

(23) As also shown in FIG. 2, the die system of the present invention also preferably includes one or more connectors 24. Preferably, each of said connectors 24 comprises a threaded thumb screw. Each connector 24 preferably comprises a threaded region 30 that corresponds with and is adapted to mate and is configured to be fixedly received in the threaded openings 44 of the die support panels 42. Each connector preferably further comprises a knurled head 26 with a downwardly extending annular shoulder 28.

(24) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an adjuster 50 comprises a body 52, one or more apertures 54, adjuster surface 56, and an adjusting bolt 58. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more adjusters 50 may be connected to the die support panel 42, and preferably including one at each die side 23 thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the body 52 defines to one or more apertures 54, the one or more apertures 54 being configured to complementarily align with one more die support panel openings 44. One or more fasteners 32 may pass through the aligned apertures 54 and openings 44 to fasten the adjuster 50 to the panel 42. Upon installation of the adjuster 50, surface 56 will be preferably adjacent to and approximately flush with side 23. The adjusting bolt 58 comprises first and second ends 60, 62, respectively, and it is preferably threaded and configured to pass through a complimentary threaded aperture 64 defined by the body 52. First end 60 comprises a recess 66 for receiving an Allen wrench, whereby the adjusting bolt 58 may be turned through the aperture 64 such that the second end 62 contacts the die side 23.

(25) Now that the various components and features of the die system of the present invention have been shown and described, it will now be described how the various components of the system operate together in such a way as to more effectively align and efficiently install dies into proper register on an embossing press.

(26) First, one or more of the above-described die support panels 42 are provided. Preferably, the die support panels are adapted to be installed or preinstalled on a corresponding press in much the same manner as prior art “honeycomb” chase components were installed on a press.

(27) Next, one or more of the above-described dies 10 are provided for installation on the die support panels 42. The positioning fasteners 32—preferably threaded Allen screws as described previously—are next used to attach the dies 10 onto the die support panels 42 in a predetermined location thereon.

(28) Specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will now be described how the dies are positioned and fixedly attached to the die support panels 42. As described previously, each aperture 16 is identified with a pair 22 of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38. As an example and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the die 10 disposed in the top right area of the die support panel 42 includes 3 apertures 16. The apertures in this example are identified with the pairs 22 of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38 as follows: (C 18), (F 27), and (G 17).

(29) An installer would use these pairs 22 of indicia next to the apertures 16 to align and place the die in the proper predetermined location atop the die support panel 42. Specifically, the x-axis indicia 40 of the die support panel, y-axis indicia 38 of the die support panel, die support panel gridlines 46, and given pairs 22 of indicia provided next to the apertures 16 on a particular die are used to place the die in the proper position. In the example described above, a user would note the pairs 22 of indicia [(C 18), (F 27), and (G 17)] and place the die atop the die support panel 42 in such a position that the apertures 16 of the die are aligned with and above the die support panel openings 44 identified by the pairs 22 of indicia associated with each aperture 16.

(30) Again, the die support panel openings 44 are preferably threaded but the apertures 16 of the dies 10 need not be threaded. Once the dies are properly aligned atop the die support panel 42, the positioning fasteners 32, preferably though not necessarily threaded Allen screws, are used to fixedly attach the die in the predetermined location. Specifically, once the die is properly aligned, each fastener is slid downwardly through a corresponding aperture 16 and threaded opening 44 and screwed into position.

(31) In order to facilitate an even more accurate and user-friendly alignment and installation process, and as described previously, the system of the present invention may further include dies having a number of through-holes 20 for receiving connectors such as thumb screws 24. Specifically, and preferably before the dies 10 are fixedly attached to the die support panels 20 as described above, the dies 10 may be initially prepositioned and temporarily affixed to the die support panels 42.

(32) For example, and as shown in FIGS. 3-4, and as described previously, each through-hole 20 is identified with a pair 22 of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38. As an example and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the die 10 disposed in the top right area of the die support panel 42 includes 2 through-holes 20. The through-holes 20 in this example are identified with the pairs 22 of x-axis indicia 40 and y-axis indicia 38 as follows: (D 20) and (G 25).

(33) An installer would use these pairs 22 of indicia next to the through-holes 20 to initially align and temporarily place the die 10 in the proper predetermined location atop the die support panel 42. Specifically, the x-axis indicia 40 of the die support panel, y-axis indicia 38 of the die support panel, die support panel gridlines 46, and given pairs 22 of indicia provided next to the through-holes 20 on a particular die are used to place the die in the proper position. In the example described above, a user would note the pairs 22 of indicia [(D 20) and (G 25)] and place the die atop the die support panel 42 in such a position that the through-holes 20 of the die are aligned with and above the die support panel openings 44 identified by the pairs 22 of indicia associated with each through-hole 20.

(34) Again, the die support panel openings 44 are preferably threaded but the through-holes 20 of the dies 10 need not be threaded. Once the dies are properly initially aligned atop the die support panel 42, the connectors 24, preferably thumb screws, are used to temporarily align and attach the die in the predetermined location. Specifically, once the die is properly aligned, each connector or thumb screw is slid downwardly through a corresponding through-hole 20 and threaded opening 44 and screwed into position.

(35) Upon using the thumb screws 24 and through-holes 20 to initially position and align the die 10 atop the die support panel 42, the dies 10 may be fixedly attached and installed onto the die support panels 42 as described above with the Allen screws 32 and apertures 16, etc. Once the dies 10 are fixedly attached, the thumb screws 24 may be removed prior to press operation. Advantageously, the use of these pre-positioning thumb screws 24 for initial alignment result in a more accurate final installation.

(36) One more adjusters 50 may be provided to execute minor positioning adjustments to the die 10 once it has been installed on the die support panel 42. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more adjusters 50 are provided at each die side 23. Upon installation of the adjusters 50, the adjusting bolt 58 is preferably rotated through body 52 of the adjuster 50 until second end 62 contacts the die side 23. Thereby, minute adjustments to the positioning of the die 10 may be made at each side 23 as desired to provide an exceptionally precise orientation of the die 10 on the panel 42. Once the die 10 is adjusted, the adjusters 50 may be optionally removed from the panel 42 prior to deployment of the die 10 in an embossing process or a foil stamping process.

(37) While the invention has been represented in detail and described with reference to the drawings and description, this should be regarded as exemplary only and the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and different variants are possible.