Paper embossing system with a flexible counter and method of embossing
AssigneeHallmark Cards, Incorporated
InventorsRonald R. Smith, Scott A. Schimke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flexible counter for an embossing system provides resilient support under a sheet which opposes pressure from a contoured die forming an embossment in the sheet. The flexible counter includes a resilient mat and a fixed bolster which supports the mat. The bolster has a peripheral wall which extends around sides of the mat so that an upper portion of the mat protrudes above the peripheral wall. In addition, the bolster includes support surfaces bounded by recesses. The support surfaces support a bottom surface of the mat, and the recesses receive bulging portions of the mat when compressed under pressure from the die.
Claims40
A flexible counter for supporting a sheet when pressed by an embossing die, the counter comprising:
- a resilient mat having a lower surface and an oppositely-directed upper surface;
- and
- a bolster including at least one support surface for supporting the lower surface of said resilient mat when said die presses against said upper surface, the bolster including at least one recess adjacent said at least one support surface, said recess defined by said at least one support surface and a lower surface in the bolster, said recess being located below said lower surface of said mat to accommodate deformation of the resilient mat when compressed by said die.
An embossing system for embossing cards, the system comprising:
- a movable die having a contoured surface;
- a flexible counter opposing said die, the flexible counter including a resilient mat and a bolster for supporting the mat, the mat being compressible between said bolster and said die, the bolster having:
- at least one support surface to support a bottom of the mat to oppose said die;
- at least one recess defined in said bolster adjacent the support surface, said recess defined by said at least one support surface and a lower surface in the bolster;
- and
- a peripheral wall fixed relative to the support surface peripherally extending around a side of the mat.
A flexible counter for supporting a sheet when pressed by an embossing die, the counter comprising:
- a resilient mat having a lower surface and an oppositely-directed upper surface and a generally uniform thickness defined between said upper surface and lower surface;
- and
- a bolster for supporting the mat, the bolster including:
- at least one support surface positioned to support said lower surface of the mat while said die presses against said upper surface to compress said mat;
- a peripheral wall fixed relative to the support surface peripherally extending around the mat at a height such that an upper thickness of the mat protrudes above the wall when the mat is supported on the support surface in an uncompressed condition;
- a recess in said bolster adjacent said support surface and below said lower surface of the mat to accommodate deformation of the mat when said mat is compressed, said recess defined by said at least one support surface and a lower surface in the bolster.
A flexible counter for supporting a sheet when pressed by an embossing die, the counter comprising:
- a resilient mat;
- a bolster for supporting the resilient mat, the bolster including at least one support surface supporting a bottom of the mat, the support surface being adjacent at least one recess to accommodate deformation of the resilient mat;
- and
- a friction-reducing film extending across said mat.
A flexible counter for supporting a sheet when pressed by an embossing die, the counter comprising:
- a resilient mat;
- a bolster for supporting the resilient mat;
- and
- a friction-reducing film extending across said mat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.