Badge making apparatus

Abstract

A badge making apparatus 100 comprising a frame 101 comprising a press 107; a baseplate 109 movably mounted to the frame and having a front and back; a first die 110 comprising a first sleeve (401, fi

Description

The present invention relates to a badge making apparatus, particularly to a manual badge making apparatus. A badge of the type comprising a plastic film covering a cut out design on a first side of a front plate, the front plate attached to a back plate on a second side, and the back plate comprising attachment means. A typical apparatus for making the above-mentioned badge, comprises a frame with a base and an upwardly extending arm. A handle is pivotally attached to the arm and is used to move a press downwards towards the base of the frame. A baseplate is movably attached to the base of the frame and a first and second die are provided on the baseplate. In use, the front plate, design, and plastic film are placed within the first die. The baseplate is then positioned such that the first die is under the press, the user seals the design within the plastic film on the front plate by applying downward force to the handle which pushes the press onto the first die. The badge assembly is then taken from the first die and placed within the second die, and the baseplate is repositioned such that the second die is located beneath the press. The user applies force to the handle again and the press is pushed into the second die, which attaches the back plate with the attachment means to the front plate. All components of a badge making apparatus are typically made of metal to withstand the force necessary to create the badge. Due to the specific shape and size of the apparatus required, fabricating the pieces from metal can be costly and creates a lot of waste. In addition, moving parts of the assembly need lubricating to prevent excessive wear and damage to the badge maker. It is an aim of the invention to provide a badge making apparatus that mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Statements of invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a badge making apparatus as defined in claim 1. The baseplate comprises a front and a back, the front of the baseplate comprising a platform at one end and a socket at the opposite end; wherein said first sleeve is configured to fit onto the platform; and said second sleeve is configured to fit into the socket, such that the first and second dies are automatically aligned on the baseplate. The platform may comprise a first raised formation / ring configured to fit within the first sleeve. The platform may further comprise a second raised formation / ring around the first raised formation / ring. The second raised formation may be lower in height than the first raised formation. The first sleeve may be configured to sit on the second raised formation. Preferably the second raised formation has a width / diameter equal to or greater than that of the first sleeve, e.g. such that there is no overhang of the first sleeve when attached to the platform allowing all force applied to the first die to transfer effectively through the baseplate. The socket may comprise a first recessed ring configured to receive the second sleeve. The socket may comprise a first recessed ring configured to receive the second sleeve. The socket may comprise a second recessed ring configured to receive a spring. The platform may further comprise a first opening; the socket may further comprise a second opening; the first and second openings configured to each receive a pin which passes through the first and second sleeves respectively. Preferably the first and second openings are threaded to ensure the first and second dies are secured to the baseplate. Preferably the baseplate comprises a plurality of raised sections or ribs to strengthen the baseplate. Preferably the raised sections are in continuous contact with the frame, e.g. such that the baseplate is not bent or damaged in use by the force applied by the press. The raised sections may comprise a flat surface to provide a contact area with the frame. The raised sections may comprise at least 10% of the surface area of the back of the baseplate. The baseplate may further comprise an outwardly extending protrusions at one end and another outwardly extending protrusion at an opposite end; wherein the protrusions are configured to contact the frame to align the baseplate into the first and second positions. The baseplate preferably comprises plastics / polymer material. The baseplate may consist of said material. The baseplate may comprise self-lubricating plastic. Preferably, the first and second sleeves comprise self-lubricating plastic. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a baseplate for a badge making apparatus comprising a front, a back, the front of the baseplate comprising a platform at a first end and a socket at a second end. Further aspects of the invention are defined in the appended claims. Any optional features defined herein in relation to any one aspect of the invention may be applied to any further aspect, wherever practicable. Detailed description Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of the badge maker in accordance with an example of the invention in situ; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the baseplate 109 according to an example of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the back of the baseplate 109. Figure 4 shows an exploded sectional view of the baseplate 109, the first die 110 and the second die 111, according to an example of the invention. Figure 5 a cross sectional view of the baseplate 109, the first die 110 and the second die 111, according to an example of the invention. Badge maker A badge maker according to an example of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 and generally designated 100. The badge maker 100 comprises a frame 101 with a base 102 and an upwardly extending arm 103. The arm 103 comprises a handle 104 partially shown in figure 1. The handle 104 is pivotally attached to the arm 103 by a pin 105 which passes through the upper end of the extending arm 103 and the handle 104, one end of the pin 105 comprises a head which prevents the pin 105 from passing through the arm 103 and handle 104. A clip is removably attached to the other end of the pin 105 to secure the pin 105 through the arm 103 and handle 104. The clip may be detached, such that the handle 104 can be removed from the extending arm 103 to aid in packing the badge maker 100. On the extending arm 103, below where the handle 104 is attached, there is a platform 106 with a press 107 therethrough. The upper end of the press 107 located above the platform 106 is in contact with the handle 104. There is a spring 108 provided around the section of the press 107 located above the platform 106, the spring rests on the upper side of the platform 106. The lower end of the press 107 is located below the platform 106 and is pushed towards the base 102 when the handle 104 is engaged and pressed downwards by a user. The lower end of press 107 comprises a head portion located below the platform 106, the head portion being too large to pass through the platform 106. The spring 108 provides resilient bias to the handle 104 by moving the press 107 back up through the platform 106 such that the head of the press 107 rests on the underside of the platform 106. The press 107 pushes the handle 104 back to its resting position. The head portion of the press 107 is substantially flat such that it applies a constant force. The platform 106 is a substantially rectangular / box-like shelf formation with a central aperture through which the press 107 is located. The platform 106 may be of any suitable shape which allows the press 107 to pass therethrough and the spring 108 to rest on the upper side of the platform 106. Movably attached to the base 102 of the frame 101 is a baseplate 109. The baseplate 109 lies substantially flat on the base 102. Located on the baseplate 109 is a first die 110 and second die 111. The dies are located at opposite ends of the baseplate 109. Between the first die 110 and second die 111 there is a protrusion 112 extending from the base 102 of the frame 101 and through the baseplate 109. The baseplate 109 rotates on the base 102 of the frame 101 around the protrusion 112 from a first position wherein the first die 110 is directly under the press 107, to a second position wherein the second die 111 is directly under the press 107. A clip can be placed on the protrusion 112 to secure the baseplate 109 to the base 102. Other configurations of the badge maker 100 are possible. For example, the baseplate 109 may be provided perpendicular to the base 102 and slide from a first position to a second position. Baseplate Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the baseplate 109 according to an example of the present invention. The baseplate 109 comprises a substantially rectangular shape, with a first protrusion 201 and a second protrusion 202 located at opposite ends of the baseplate 109. The sides of the protrusions 201,202, contact the frame 101 when the baseplate 109 is rotated, such that the baseplate 109 is automatically aligned into the first and second positions. The protrusions 201,202 may act as abutments that contact a respective side of the arm 103 or other suitable formation on the base 102 of the frame 101 to help ensure simple alignment of the baseplate in the first and second position for use. The front of the baseplate 109, visible in figure 2, is where the first and second dies are placed in use. The back of the baseplate 109, not visible in figure 2, rests on the base 102 of the frame 101 in use. There is a platform / pedestal 203 provided centrally at one end of the baseplate 109. The platform 203 comprises a plurality of raised formations in the form of rings. There is a first raised ring 204, and around the first ring 204 there is a second raised ring 205. The rings are concentric when viewed in plan. The second raised ring 205 being lower than the first raised ring 204, the first and second raised rings being stepped. The second raised ring 205 has a larger width than the first raised ring 204. Within the first raised ring 204 is an opening 206. There is provided a profiled recess in the form of a socket 207 centrally at the opposite end of the baseplate 109 to the platform 203. The socket 207 comprises a plurality of recessed formations in the form of rings. There is a first recessed ring 208, and around the first recessed ring 208 a second recessed ring 209. Within the first recessed ring 208 is an opening 210. The first and second recessed rings 208, 209, have equal widths. The distance between the first recessed ring 208 and the second recessed ring 209 is equal to the distance between the fist recessed ring 208 and the opening 210. The rings 208, 209 are concentric. As well as being described as recessed rings, the socket 207 could be described as a cylindrical recess with a pair of upstanding circular, concentric walls within the recess, whereby the diameter / spacing of the walls defines the annular recesses therebetween. There is an aperture 211 in the baseplate 109 provided adjacent the second recessed ring 209 and on the same axis as the opening 210, i.e. being central to the baseplate 109. Located between the platform 203 and the socket 207 is a central aperture 212. The central aperture 212 is circular and located substantially centrally, i.e. both laterally and longitudinally centrally on the baseplate 109. The opening 206, central aperture 212, aperture 211 and opening 209, all lie of the same axis. Whilst the platform 203 and socket 207 are described as being at opposite ends of the baseplate 109 herein, it will be appreciated that they are disposed towards each end in a relative sense. For example. The platform 203 is located to one side of a centre of the baseplate 109 (or in one half of the baseplate) and the socket 207 is located to the other side of the centre of the baseplate 109 (or in the other half). The exact spacing of the platform and socket from each other or from the centre point could vary although those formations are preferably equidistant from the central aperture 212 to ensure positional alignment in the first and second usage positions. The protrusions 201 and 202, may comprise any suitable shape and size, such that they connect with the corresponding protrusion on the base of the frame to automatically align the baseplate 109 into the first and second positions. The baseplate 109 may comprise plastic. The baseplate may comprise self-lubricating plastic. The baseplate may be injection moulded. The baseplate 109 may be created as a whole, or it may be created in pieces which are then connected, although in the present example, the baseplate is beneficially formed as a single moulded piece with the protrusions 201,202, platform 203 and socket 207 being integral therewith. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the back of the baseplate 109. The back of the baseplate 109 comprises a plurality of raised sections. There is a raised edge 301 which extends along the periphery of the back of the baseplate 109. The section of the edge 301 which extends around the first protrusion 201 and the second protrusion 202 is lower that the section of the edge 301 which extends along the rest of the baseplate 109. The lower edge 301 is complementary to raised sections on the base 102 of the frame 101 and allows the baseplate 109 to be rotated on the base 102 of the frame 101 and rest substantially flat along the base 102 when in the first and second positions. It is important the edge 301 of the baseplate 109 lay flat on the base 102 of the frame when in the first and second positions, such that when force is applied by the press, it is applied evenly over the baseplate 109. There is a plurality of ribs 302 provided on the back of the baseplate 109. In this example, three ribs extend laterally across the back of the baseplate 109, one of the ribs extends through the platform 203, one of the ribs extends through the central aperture 212, and one of the ribs extends through the socket 207. There is one rib extending longitudinally across the baseplate, crossing each of the openings 206, 210 and the central aperture 212. The edge 301 and plurality of ribs 302 strengthen the baseplate 109, such that it can withstand the force which is applied by the press 107 when the badge maker 100 is in use. As an alternative to the above, the ribs may be provided in any suitable location. For example, the ribs could extend radially outwardly from any one or more of the openings and / or may be circumferential around the openings or obliquely angled relative to the side walls. There are raised sections located at the platform and socket of the baseplate for reinforcement. There are raised portions surrounding the opening 206 located in the platform 203 and the opening 210 located in the socket 207. There is provided a raised section on back of the baseplate 109 which corresponding to the perimeter of the second raised ring 205 of the platform 203. The back of the baseplate which corresponds to the recessed rings 208, 209, of the socket 207 comprises a raised section. There is a raised section surrounding the central aperture 212. The raised sections are connected, e.g. by the ribs 302, such that they are continuous. Alternatively, the raised sections may be discrete. The height of the raised portions may be in the in the order of 1 mm. For example, the minimum height of the raised portions may be 0.5mm or 1mm. The maximum height of the raised portions may be 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm or 10mm. The raised sections have a flat surface to increase contact surface area with the frame when in use. The raised sections and / or ribs 302 terminate in a common plane, e.g. to define the bottom surface of the baseplate 109 so it can be adequately supported to resist loading when either die is in use. The surface area of the back of the baseplate 109 which comprises a raised portion or rib may be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%. The raised sections may comprise any suitable configuration. The raised sections surrounding openings 210 and 207 may be wider than the ribs 302, e.g. to offer increased compressive strength. Also shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a slight cut-out out (i.e. a reduction in height of the baseplate) in the projections 201 and 202. This allows the projections to ride over any slight profile of the base 102 in the vicinity of the arm 103 when in the first or second usage position. In this regard, the base 102 may be have a small step or strengthened portion around the interface between the arm 103 and the base 102. Accommodating any change in geometry in that portion within the baseplate 109 is important to ensure the baseplate can remain flat against the base 102 for use with deformation of the baseplate. Baseplate with dies Figure 4 shows an exploded sectional view of the baseplate 109, the first die 110 and the second die 111, according to an example of the invention. At one end of the baseplate 109 is the platform 203, the first raised ring 204, the second raised ring 205 and the opening 206. At the other end of the baseplate 109 is the socket 207, the first recessed ring 208, the second recessed ring 209, the opening 210 and the aperture 211. The recessed rings 208, 209, pass partially through the baseplate 109. The second recessed ring 209 has a greater depth than the first recessed ring 208. The aperture 211 passes partially through the baseplate and has a depth greater than both the first and second recessed rings 208, 209. The aperture 211 has a tapered end. The second recessed ring 209 has a flared opening. The recessed rings 208, 209 and opening 210 are spaced equally apart. The aperture 211 is located in close proximity to the second recessed ring 209. The height difference between the front of the baseplate 109 and the second raised ring 205 is equal to the height difference between the first raised ring 204 and the second raised ring 205. The opening 206 passes through the entirety of the baseplate 109. The opening 206 at the platform comprises two difference widths, having a larger width at the front of the baseplate 109 and a smaller width at the back of the baseplate. The larger width of the opening 206 spans the height of the first and second raised rings. The opening 210 passes through the entirety of the baseplate. The opening 210 at the socket has the same width throughout the baseplate 109. The openings 206, 210 may be threaded. Shown above the platform in Figure 4 is a first sleeve 401, a first podium 402 and a first pin 403. Shown above the socket in Figure 4 is a second sleeve 404, a second podium 405 and a second pin 406. The first and second sleeves 401,404 are a complementary shape to the socket and platform of the baseplate such that the first sleeve 401 is connectable to the platform and the second sleeve is connectable to the socket. The first and second sleeves may be tubular. The first and second sleeves may be cylindrical. The sleeves 401,404, may comprise plastic, preferable the sleeves comprise self-lubricating plastic. The sleeves may comprise injection moulded plastic. Alternatively, may comprise shaped plastic. The first podium 402 comprises a disk with a protrusion. The disk comprising a hollow with a flared circular opening which spans the majority of the width of the disk. The hollow narrows towards the protrusion. The second podium 405 comprises a disk with a protrusion. The disk comprising a hollow with a flared circular opening which spans the minority of the width of the disk. The hollow narrows towards the protrusion. The first and second podium 402, 405, may be any suitable size depending on the specific badge required. The hollows within the first and second podium may comprise any suitable shape or size depending on the shape and size of the desired badge. Alternatively, separate devices may be placed on or over the first and second podiums to provide the desired size and shape. Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the baseplate 109, the first die 110 and the second die 111, according to an example of the invention. The protrusion of the first podium 402 fits within the first sleeve 401 creating a T-piece above the platform. There is a tight fit between the first podium 402 and first sleeve 401. The other end of the first sleeve fits over the first raised ring 204 and sits on top of the second raised ring 205 of the platform. The diameter of the second raised ring 205 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first sleeve is less, such that there is no overhang of the first sleeve 401 when attached to the platform of the baseplate. The first pin 403 is placed through the first podium, first sleeve, and secured in the opening 206 of the platform 203. The head of the first pin 403 sits within the hollow of the first podium 402. The internal diameter of the first sleeve 401 being greater than the diameter of the body of the first pin 403, such that the first pin 403 is not in direct contact with the first sleeve. The first die 110 is auto-aligned onto the platform due to the fit of the first podium 402, first sleeve 401 and platform 203. The first pin 403 is used to secure the first die 111 to the baseplate 109. The opening 206 has a larger diameter at the front of the baseplate 109. The sides of the first pin 403 do not make contact with the inner surface of the opening 206 adjacent the first and second raised rings when in situ. The protrusion of the second podium 405 fits within the second sleeve 404 creating a T piece above the socket. There is a tight fit between the second podium 405 and second sleeve 404. The other end of the second sleeve fits within the first recessed ring 208 of the socket. The width of the walls of the second sleeve 404 are equal to the width of the first recessed ring 208, such that the second sleeve 404 has a tight fit within the first recessed ring 208. The sleeve is automatically aligned by slotting into the first recessed ring. The second recessed ring 209 may be used to receive a spring (not shown) when the badge maker is in use. The aperture 211 may be used to receive a protrusion extending from the second die 111 (not shown) to prevent the die from spinning in use. The second pin 406 is placed through the second podium 405, second sleeve 404, and secured in the opening 210 of the socket 207. The head of the second pin sits within the hollow of the second podium 405. The head of the second pin 406 is substantially flat and has a tight fit within the narrow end of the hollow of the second podium. The second pin 406 fills the narrow end of the hollow in the second podium 405 such that the circular opening of the hollow which spans the majority of the width of the disk has a flat surface. The second die 111 is auto aligned onto the platform due to the fit of the first podium 402, first sleeve 401 and platform 203. The first pin 403 is used to secure the first die 111 to the baseplate 109. The internal diameter of the second sleeve 404 being greater than the diameter of the body of the second pin 406 such that the second pin 406 is not in direct contact with the second sleeve. With the baseplate 109, the first die 110 and the second die 111 assembled as described above, the baseplate 109 is mounted to the fame 101 as shown in Figure 1 with the protrusion 112 extending through the opening 212 of the baseplate. The baseplate 109 can thus be swivelled about the pivot point defined by the protrusion 112 between a first position in which the first die 110 is positioned directly beneath the press 107 and a second position in which the second die 111 is directly beneath the press 107. In other examples, the baseplate can slide over the base 102, i.e. laterally back and forth beneath the press, between the first and second positions. During the badge making process badge components are positioned in the first die in a conventional manner and undergo a first pressing step into the first die to partially form the badge before retracting the press and moving the baseplate to the second position in which the partially formed badge undergoes a second pressing step onto a badge backing in the second die 111 to complete the badge making process. These pressing steps are well-known and are not described in detail for conciseness. The dies are each profiled for the relevant pressing step. The significant redesign of the mounting structure and assembly of the dies on the baseplate, including the mounting of the sleeves, allows plastic / polymer components to adequately withstand repeated loading cycles in use where it has hitherto been thought that metal components are required. The assembly is simplified whilst ensuring correct / positive alignment of the dies, rather than requiring manual adjustment / alignment during die assembly.

Claims

1. A badge making apparatus comprising: a frame comprising a press;a baseplate movably mounted to the frame and having a front and back,a first die comprising a first sleeve;a second die comprising a second sleeve;the first sleeve configured to fit to a platform on the front the ofthe baseplate in a first location and the second sleeve configured to fit to a socket on the front of thebaseplate in a second location spaced form the first location;the baseplate configured to move from a first position where the first die is located below the press and a second position where the second die is located below the press; andwherein the first and second sleeves comprise a plastics material.

2. The badge making apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a first raised ring configured to fit within the first sleeve.

3. The badge making apparatus of claim 2, wherein the platform comprises a second raised ring around the first raised ring; wherein the second raised ring is lower than the first raised ring; and the first sleeve is configured to sit on the second raised ring.

4. The badge making apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second raised ring has a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter the first sleeve.

5. The badge making apparatus of claims 1 to 4, wherein the socket comprises a first recessed ring configured to receive the second sleeve.

6. The badge making apparatus of claim 5, wherein the socket comprises a second recessed ring configured to receive a spring.

7. The badge making apparatus of claim 1 to 6, wherein:the platform further comprises a first openingthe socket further comprises a second openingthe first and second openings configured to each receive a pin which passes through the first and second sleeves respectively.

8. The badge making apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second openings are threaded.

9. The badge making apparatus of claim 1, wherein the back of the baseplate comprises a plurality of raised sections.10.The badge making apparatus of claim 9, wherein the raised sections are in continuous contact with the frame.11 .The badge making apparatus of claims 9 to 10, wherein the raised sections comprise a flat surface.

12. The badge making apparatus of claims 9 to 11, wherein the raised sections comprise at least 10% of the surface area of the back of the baseplate.13.The badge making apparatus of any of the preceding claims wherein the baseplate further comprises an outwardly extending protrusions at one end and another outwardly extending protrusion at an opposite end;wherein the protrusions are configured to contact the frame to align the baseplate into the first and second positions.

14. The badge making apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the baseplate comprises a plastics material.1015. The badge making apparatus of claim 14, wherein the baseplate comprises a self-lubricating plastics material.

16. The badge making apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the first and second sleeves comprise a self-lubricating plastics material.

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