Self-sealing stamping device

A method for providing a self-sealing stamping device, the method comprising:

• providing an applicator having one or more raised features on a stamping surface;
• providing an inkpad housing having an ink source disposed therein, the inkpad housing having an aperture suitable for accepting the stamping surface of the applicator, wherein an airtight seal is formed between contacting surfaces of the inkpad housing and the applicator when the stamping device is in a closed position, wherein a sealing feature on an exterior perimeter of the stamping surface of the applicator and a sealing feature on an interior perimeter of the aperture in the inkpad housing are configured to mate together when the stamping device is in the closed position, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the inkpad housing and the applicator comprises a chitin-based polyurethane material;
• inserting the stamping surface of the applicator into the aperture of the inkpad housing, wherein the raised features on the stamping surface contact the ink source;
• and
• contacting the inkpad housing with the applicator to form an airtight seal between the applicator and the inkpad housing.

A self-sealing stamping device comprising:

• an applicator having one or more raised features on a stamping surface for transferring an ink to a marking surface and a sealing feature around an exterior perimeter of the stamping surface that includes one or more of a rib, a flange, a trough, and a channel;
• an inkpad housing having an aperture with an interior perimeter operably configured to receive the stamping surface of the applicator, and a sealing feature around the interior perimeter of the aperture comprising one or more of a rib, a flange, a trough, and a channel, wherein an airtight seal is formed between mating sealing features of the inkpad housing and the applicator when the stamping device is in a closed position, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the applicator and the inkpad housing comprises a chitin-based polyurethane material;
• an ink source disposed within the inkpad housing comprising one or more of a cloth pad, a foam pad, a cloth pad with an associated ink reservoir, and a foam pad with an associated ink reservoir, the ink source containing an ink that is one or more of non-toxic, washable, water-based, and alcohol-based;
• and
• a mechanism for rotatably actuating the applicator from the closed position facing and contacting the inkpad housing to a stamping position facing and contacting the marking surface.