Holder for embossing items of irregular cross-section

Abstract

A holder for embossing items of irregular cross-section is utilized in an embossing machine which has a pair of opposed platens with embossing dies mounted thereon. The holder includes a support plate positioned between the platens and having a central opening formed therein for receiving the die mounted on a first one of the platens. A pair of support blocks extends from the support plate toward the second platen on opposite sides of the opening and supports an article to be embossed over the opening. A plurality of guide posts extend from the first platen through apertures formed in the support plate and helical biasing springs encircle the guide posts to space the support plate and the article from the first die. As the second platen is moved toward the first platen, the second die engages the article and moves the article and the support plate against the biasing means to engage the article with the first die. Thus, equal pressure is applied to the article by the first and second dies. A pair of support blocks extends from the second platen toward the first platen and each of the support blocks on both of the platens has a notch formed therein contoured with respect to the shape of the article to limit the rotation and/or cantilevering of the article as it is being embossed.