Method and apparatus for embossing a pattern on a substrate coated with a varnish

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for embossing a pattern into a varnish on a sheet-like substrate are provided. The method applies a planar stamp using a roller, while the apparatus includes a roller having a planar stamp.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for embossing a pattern on a substrate coated with a varnish, comprising:
 a table for supporting the substrate;   a planar stamp having one end fixed relative to the table; and   a roller adapted to apply the planar stamp onto the substrate when supported by the table by lowering the planar stamp in an application direction towards another end of the table.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a lamp adapted to cure the varnish through the planar stamp. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a holder configured to hold the planar stamp at an end opposite to the fixed end, the holder being adapted to hold a portion of the planar stamp at an angle of more than 45° relative to the table. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the angle is more than 80°. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a drive that drives the roller. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the drive that drives the roller in the application direction. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a second drive that drives the roller in a peripheral direction that is opposite to the application direction. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the table is displaceable for feeding substrates thereon. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for embossing a pattern on a substrate coated with a varnish, comprising:
 a table for supporting the substrate;   a planar stamp having a first end fixed relative to the table; and   a roller driven in an application direction and a peripheral direction opposite to the application direction,   wherein the roller, when driven in the application direction, applies the planar stamp onto the substrate when supported by the table by lowering the planar stamp at an advance rate in the application direction towards a second end of the table that is opposite the first end, and   wherein the roller, when driven in the peripheral direction, has a peripheral speed in the application direction that is lower than the advance rate.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a drive that drives the roller in the application direction. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a second drive that drives the roller in the peripheral direction. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the planar stamp is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polymer, silicone, two-component silicone rubber, and polyolefin elastomer. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the roller, when driven in the peripheral direction at the peripheral speed in the application direction that is lower than the application rate, is configured to compensate for elongation of the planar stamp. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the roller is configured to compensate for elongation of the planar stamp. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a lamp adapted to cure the varnish through the planar stamp. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the lamp is adapted to follow the roller in the application direction. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a holder configured to hold the planar stamp at the second end, the holder being adapted to hold a portion of the planar stamp at an angle of more than 45° relative to the table. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the angle is more than 80°. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the table is displaceable for feeding substrates thereon.