Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ / - ~
4~13
Docket M-232 C
This invention relates to the art of pressure sensitive
labels, method and apparatus for making and using same, and label
printing and applying machines.
Brief_Description of the Prior Art
Various U.S. patents Nos. 1,642,387, J. ~. Reis,
September 13, 1927; 2,259,358, R. PD Templeton, October 14, 1941;
2,275,064, G. A~ Moore, March 3~ 1942; 2,502,257, G. L. Hawkins
et al, March 28, 1950; 2,516,487, T. F. Schlicksupp, July 25, 1950;
2,620,205, C. W. Vogt, December 2, 1952; 2,656,063, R. S. Kafka,
October 20, 1953; 3,051,353, A. P. Krueger, August 28, 1962;
3,265,553, O. Kind et al, August 9, 1966; 3,343,485, E~ H. Loeffler,
September 26, 1967; 3,440,123, P. H. ~amisch, Sr., April 22, 1969;
; 3,501,365, E. C~ Marshall, March 17, 1970; 3,551,251, ~o Sato et al,
December 29, 1970; 3,611,929, Kurt Schrotz et al, October 12, 1971;
are made of record.
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.!;.
' Docket M-23~ ~7~46~ -
Summary of the Invention
The invention Ielates to improved means for ?
~electively setting and detenting printing mer~ers using
a shiftable and rotatable selector for selectively changing
the settings of any of the printing m~mbers. The selector
has a drive element and a yieldable detent element~ The
drive element and the detent element are located on the
selec~or such ~hat when ~he drive element is in engagement
with ~he selected driven elernent the detent element is in
detenting posi~ion in contact with at least one driven element.
In one embodiment, the driven elements can comprise wheels
a~out which respective flexible printing bands are trained.
In this e~;~odiment the selector can be in driving engage-
ment with one of the driven wheels and can be shi~ted into
~5 driving engagement with any of ~he remaining wheels to set the
printing bands to print the desired data on a record such as a
ticket, tag, or label. The detent element engages ei~her in
a recess between adjacent wheels or in a groove or recess in
one ~ the wheelsO In ~nother e~odimen~ the printing mer~ers
comprise print wheels, the hub of each of which comprises a
ariven member. The selector is detented in ~he same manner.
..
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2~
~71~68
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of label
pxinting and applying apparatus for carxying out the method of
the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a partly broken away top plan view of
a composite web useful in the label printing and applying
apparatus of the invention;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevational view of the
apparatus shown in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 4 iS a sectional view taken generally along
line 4--4 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5--5
~ of FIGURE 3;
:` FIGURE 6 is a sec~ional view taken along line 6--6 -~
of FIGURE 3;
FI~URE 7 is a side elevational view of one of the
~ subframe sections of the apparatus;
:~.; FIGURE 8 is a top plan view ~aken along line 8--8
` of FIGURE 7;
FIGURE 9 i5 a side elevational view of th~ other
;~ subframe section;
FIGURE 10 is a top plan view showing the manner in
which the label core fox the roll of labelg is held and the
manner in which braking force is applied by the subframe
sections;
FIGURE 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11
of FIGUP~E 10;
: FIGURE 12 is a sectional view taken generally along
line 12--12 oE FIGURE 3;
,.~^
_,"
.~................................ . :
(~
~697~4G8
~ 'IC,UR~ 13, in the second ~hee~ of drawings, is an
exploded nerspective view of th~ inking mechani~m;
FI~UR~ 14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a
~ragmentary portion of the apparatus in solid.lines, and in
particular showing a fragmentary portion of the print head and
the inking mechanism in both solid and phantom line ?ositions;
~ IGURE 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15--15
of FIGURE 4;
~ FIGURE 16 is a developed view showing the arrange~ent
of the teeth of the detent mechanism;
FIGURE 17 is a sectional view ta~en along line 17--17
of FIGURE lS;
FIGURE 18 is a sectional view ta~en generally along
line 18--18 of FIGVRE 15;
FIGURE 19 is a sectional view showing one or the
~hree sets of snap-it connections used to interconnect the
frame and the subframe;
FIGURE 20 is an enlarged view o an applicator roll
shown mount d i~ the fxa~e oE the apparatus;
FIGURE 21 is a sectional view taken along line
21--21 of FIGUR~ 20;
~ 'IGURE 22 is a sectional vie~ tak~en along line
22--22 of FIG~RE 21, but omitting the sha~ and the frictional
~ember;
~ IGURE 23 is a partly sectional view of the mounting
shaft which forms part of the applicator roll;
~ IGUl~E 2~ is an exploded perspective vi~w of the print
head;
4'
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(;~
~L~7~ 68
Fl~URE 25 is a sectional ~iew of the print head taken
: gener~lly along line 25--25 of FIGURE 3;
~ IGURE 26 is a sectional view sllowing the selector in
relationship to the associated driven wheels;
. FIGURE 27 is an enlarged sectional view showing the
manner in which detenting o the selector is effected, but
showing the driven members as being of different widths;
FIGURE ~8 is a view similar to a fragmentary portion
: . of FIGURE 26, but showing the manner in which detenting can be
effec~ed directly on a wlleel;
. FIGURE 29, in the fifth sheet of drawings, ls an enlarged,
: . partly sectional, elevational view showing an alternative arrangement
for constructing the selector;
~IGURE 30, in the fifth sheet of drawings, is a perspective
.. . .. . . . . . .
view showing the driving member depicted in FIGURE 29; :.
; FIGURE 31 is a partly exploded perspective view of a
.
modified print head in accordance with the invention;
: ~IGUR~ 32 is an exploded perspective view of the .
selector in associa~ion with type wheels and mountin~ structure
for ~he type wheels;
IGURE 33 is an end elevational view of the t~pe
wheels and the selector assembled in the mounting members; and
. FIGURE 34 is a sectional view ta~en generally along
`~ line 34--34 of FIGUP~ 33. .
.. ~ . . . .
:
~97~6
Descri~ion of ~e ~relerr-d Embodiments
Referring now to a label printing and applying
apparatus generally indicated at 210 in the embodiment of
FIGURES 1 through 27, and initially to FIGURE 1, there is
shown to be a housing or main frame generally indicated at 211.
The housing or rame 211 is specifically shown to include a
pair of frame sections 212 and 213. Disposed within the
housing 211 is a subframe generally indicated at 214 which
comprises a pair of subframe sections 215 and 216. The frame
sections 212 and 213 mount a platen 217 which includes a peel
edge 213. A print head generally indicated at 21~ is mounted
by the subframe 214. More specifically, the print head 219
includes a plurality of selectable settable printing Members
220 in the form of endless printing bands mounted by a print
head frame 221. E~tending from the frame 221 are a pair of
flanges 222 and 223. Gear sections or specifically racks 22g
and 225 are provided at the ends of the respective flanges
222 and 2230 Opposed tracks 226 and 227 are formed on the
respective flanges 222 and 223 to receive straight ball bearings
228 and 229. The subframe sections 215 and 216 have respective `~
tracks 230 and 231. The ball baaring 228 is received in t~a
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:: 6
~,. ~
. .
~ 7~468
track 226 of the flange 222 and in the track 230, and the
ball bearin~ 229 is received in the track 227 in the flange
223 and in the track 231. The ball bearings 228 and 229
have respective balls 228' and 229' rotatably held ~y
respective tangs or holders 228" and 229". In this manner,
the print head 219 is mounted for movement, particularly
reciprocating movement, towaxd and away from the platen 217.
The housing 211 has a handle generally indicated at
232 and parti.cularly each housing or frame section 212 and 213
has a respective handle por~ion 233 and 234. An operator
generally indicated at 235 is shown to comprise a pivotally
operated lever 236 pivotally mounted by a post 237 at the
lower end of the handle 232. The lever 236 is normally urged
in a counterclockwise direction (FIGURE 1) by a torsion spring
238 received about the post 237. The pivotal movement of the
lever 236 is limited by an adjustable stop block 239 received
by the handle 232 between the handle portions 233 and 234.
The upper end of the operating lever 235 carries a pair of
spaced-apart gear sections 240 and 241. The gear sections
240 and 241 are sho~n to be in the form of spur gear segments.
Gear sections 240 and 241 are in meshing engagement with
respective spur gears 242 and 243. The spur gears 242 and
243 are in meshing engagement with respective gear sections
224 and 225 carried by the print head 219.
A roll of pressure sensitive labels~ in the fo~n
for example o the composite web 30 shown in FIGURE 2, is
mounted by its core 44 by the sub~frame 214. As will be
described in yreater detail hereinafter, the composite web
30 is drawn off the roll into overlyiny relationship with
" -,.. ~ /
~1~7~4~3
respect to the platen 217 and the supporting material 32 is
engaged by a toothed driver 244. The gear 243 carries an
integral pawl 45 cooperable with a ratchet wheel 246 which
is coupled to the driver 244 by a detent mechanism generally
indicated at 247~ An input or drive member 248 of the detent
mechanism 247 i~ shown in ~IGU~E 1~ The toothed driver 244
has a plurality of equally spaced apart drive teeth 249
arranged about its outer peripheryO The pawl 245 is integrally
joined at but one end to the gear 243. The pawl 245 is flexible
and resilient and can ride on the ratchet wheel 246 and deflect
into engagement with a too~h 265 of the ratchet wheel 246
The housing or frarne section 213 has an access
opening 25Qo A cover 251 is removahly connected to the frame
section 213 at the access opening 250~ The cover 251 mounts
an in~ing mechanism 252 cooperable with the printing members
.:' . ~,
;~\ 220 of the print head 219~ The housiny sections 212 and 213
mount an applicator 253 dis~osed downstream of the peel ed~e
'~ 218.
. ~ Reerring to FIGURE 2, there is shown composite web
30 of label material 31 releasably adhered to and carried by
supporting or backing material 32. The label material 31 is
cut transversely by transverse cuts 33 extending all the way
across the web 31 of label material to the side edges 34 and
35 of the composite web 30. The cuts 33 known as "butt cuts"
separate the web 31 of label material into a series of end-to- :~
end labels 36. The underside of the web 31 of label material
has a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive 37 which adheres
stronyly to the weh 31 of label material. The web 32 of
supporting material carries a thin film or coating (not shown)
h
~.................... ,~_
~7~461!3
which allows the labels to be peeled from the web 32 of
supporting matPrial.
Groups 38 of cuts are provided at equally spaced
apart intervals along the length of the composite web 30.
Each group 38 of cuts is shown to extend through the supporting
material as well as through the label material. Each group or
cuts is shown to be made in a generally I-shaped configuration
comprised of cuts 39S, 40S and 41S in the supporting material
and aligned cuts 39L, 4OL and 4lL in the label material. The
part of the web 32 between the one end of the cut 39S and the
cut 40S provides a frangible portion 43S and the part of the
web 32 between the other end of the cut 39S and the cut 41S
provides frangible portion 42So In like manner, the part of
the label material between the end of the cut 39L and the cut
4~L provides a frangible portion 43L and the part between the
other end of the cut 39L and the cut 41L provides a frangible
portion 42L~
Referring to FIGURE 3, the interrelationship of the
components of the apparatus 210 is shown in de~ail. The
composite web 30 is paid out of the roll and passes through
a passage provided by subframe sections 215 and 216 and
specifically by groove 254 (FIGURE 9) in the subframe section
215 and a cooperating groove 255 (FIGURES 1, 3 and 7) in the
subframe section 216. From there the composite web 30 passes
partly around a roll 256 and into overlying relationship with
the platen 217. Delamination is effected a~ the peel edge 21S
formed at the end of the platen 217.- The supporting material 32
i5 drawn around the peel edge 218 beneath the platen 217 and
passes partly around a roll 257, below the guide 258 and
between the toothed driver 244 and the mating die wheel 259.
,~
~ g~7~68
As a tooth 2'19 moves into mating cooperation with the die
wheel 259, the tooth 249 engages the supporting material 32
at the longitudinal cut 39S and effects rupturing or bursting
of the fran~ible portions 42S and 43S, whereupon the tooth 249
which is in mating cooperation with the ~ie wheel 259 (FIGURE
18) is considered to have formed a feed hole in the supporting
material 242. It is preferred that there be three teeth 249
in driving engasement with the supportins material 32 at all
times. The subframe sections 215 an~ 216 have respective
ali~ned strippers 260 and 261 which facilitate disen~agement
of the teeth 249 with the supporting material 232 as tne driver
24~l rotates. Opposed guide yrooves 262 and 263 formed in the
subframe sections 215 and 216 ~uide the supporting material 32
to an exit opening 264. ~xcess supporting material which
dangles from the apparatus 210 can be readily torn off at
the exit opening 264.
With reference to FIGURE 3, the print h~ad 219 is
sho~m by solid lines in the initial or home position and by
phantom lines 219' in the printin~ zone in printing cooperati~n
with the label 36 and the platen 217. The operator 235 is sho~m
by solid lines in its initial or home position and in phantom
lines 235' in the fullv actuated position. In the ully
actuated position, the print head 219 has been moved into
printiny cooperation with the l~bels 36 and the platen 217,
and the operator 235 is in abutment with the stop block 239.
In this position of the operator 235, the flexible resilient
pawl 245 (FI5UR~ 15), joined inte~rally at one en~ to the gear
243, has moved to the position shown by phantom lines 245' in
drivins cooperation with a tooth 265 of the ratchet wheel 246.
~en the user releases the operator 235, the sprin~ 23~ (FI~U~E 3)
",",~
't7",~ ~
~ ~7~46~
returns the operator 235 against stop 239' to the solid line
position shown in FIGURE 3. While the operator 235 is returning
to the solid line position from the fully actuated position
indicated by phantom lines 235', the gear sections 240 and 241
(FIGURES 3 and 4) rotate gears 242 and 243 clockwise (FIGURE
3) to return th~ print head 219 to the solid line position from
the position shown by solid lines 219l, and to drive the pawl 245
from the position shown by phantom lines 245l to the position
shown in solid lines in FIGURE 15. Thus, the pawl 245, which
is in line position from the fully actuated position indicated
by phantom lines 235', ~he gear sections 240 and 241 (FIGURES 3
and 4~ rotate gears 242 and 243 clockwise (FIGUR~ 3) to return
the print head 219 to the solid line position from the position
shown by solid lines 219', and to drive the pawl 2~5 from the
position shown by phantom lines 245' to the position shown in
solid lines in FIGURE 15. Thus, the pawl 245, which is in
engagement with a tooth 265, drives the ratchet wheel 246
counterclockwise ~FIGURE 15)o This counterclockwise rotation
of the ratchet wheel 246 (FI~URE 153 causes the driver 244 to
advance the supporting material 32 to effect subs~antially
complete delamination of a label at the peel edge 21S~
Counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet wheel 246 continues
until a pawl 266 (FIGURES 1, 7 and 15) in the form of a flexible
resilient appendage of the subframe section ~16, moves into
engagement with a tooth 265 of the ratchet wheel. This prevents
the web of supporting material 32 from being accidentally moved
in the return direction.
As best sho~rn in FIGUR:~ 4, the driver 244 has an
annular rim 267 joined to a hub 268 by a radial web 269. The
hub 268 has a hub section 268' extending in one direction and
. .. ,,~
~L~79 ~
another hub section 268" extending in the opposite direction.
The hub section 2Z$' 'cerminates at a knob 270~ and the hub section
26B~ terminates at a knob 2701~ The gear 242 i5 rotatably journaled
on and with res~ect to the hub section 2631 ~ The gear 242 has a
hub or flange 271 which is rotatably journaled in opening 272
in the frame section 212~ The hub ssction 268 ~ extends through
an enlarged opening 273 in tha subframe s~ction 215~ The hub r
section 2G8" provides a stepped pair of bearing surfaces 2740
The ratchet wheel 246 is formed inteyrally with the drive me~ber
248 of the detent mechanism 247~ The ratchet wheel 246 and the
drive member 248 have a hub 276 with a step~ed bore 275 into
which the hub section 268" extends. A hub 276 rotatably receiv2s
and mounts the gear 243~ The gear 243 has a hub 277 rotatabl~
received in a bearing 278 for~ed integrally with the housinc~
section 213~ As seen in FIGURE 4 the gears 242 and 243 are in
drivi~g engagemRnt with respective gear sections 224 ana 225
carried by the print head 219; the relative position of the drive
pawl 245 to the ratchet wheel 246 is also shown.
~ith reference to FIGURE 15, the drive member 248
includes a plurality of spring fingers or detent pawl5 27~o
The pawls 278 are of equal length, are flexible and resilient,
and are continuously urged against teeth 279 Eor~ed on the
inside of the annular rim 267. In the illustrated embodiment
there are one hundred and seventy-seven teeth 279 at equally
spaced-apart intervals. There are twelve pawls 278 integrally
connected to the hub 276 at equally spaced-apart intervals.
The teeth 279 comprise respective tooth faces 280 and a recess
between adjacent tooth faces 280 in which the end of a pawl 278
can be received. ~he pawls 278 drive the feed wheel 244 in a
driving direction (counterclockwise in FIGURE 15) but can ~ove in
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~146i3
a non-driving direction (clockwise in FIGURE 15) relative to the
feed wheel 24~ by manually operating the detent mechanism. 247~
Accordingly, every fifth pawl 27~ is enqaged with the face 280
~ of a tooth 279. The pawls 278 between every fifth set of pawls
: are out of engagement with their respective tooth faces 280 by
.:,
different increments as best illustrated in FIGURE 16. Normally,
the pawls 278 hold the ratchet wheel 246 and the ~eed wheel or
driver 244 in fixed relationship with respect to each other.
With reference to FIGURE 15, as the drive pawl 245 moves counter-
clockwise the ratchet wheel 246 i5 driven counterclockwise and
the three pawls 278 which are in driving engagement with their
respective tooth faces 280 will drive the feed wheel 244 counter-
clockwise. Accordingly, there is no relative rotation between
the ratchet wheel 246 and the feed wheel 244. Should it be
desired to change the position to which the labels are advanced
by the feed wheel 244 upon actuation of the operator 235, the
user will grasp the knobs 270 and 270' and will rotate ths
~nob 270' counterclockwise (FIGURE 1) relative to the knob
270. This will cause the input member 248 to rotate (counter
clockwise in FIGURE 1, clockwise in FIGURE 15) rela~ive to the
feed wheel 244 so that ~he next three successive teeth move into
engagement with the next three respective tooth aces 280.
For example, if it is considered that first, fifth and ninth
pawls 278 were initially in engagement with respective teeth
279, only a very slight rotation will cause second, sixth and
tenth pawls to move into engagement with their respectiv2 tooth
faces 280, and so on. Although any desired number of pawls 278
and teeth 280 can be used, the illustrated en~odiment provides
,~
' , ' ' ' '
7~L468
ver~ minute adjustment of the feed wheel 244 relative to th~
platen 217 an~ the peel edge 218 and the arrangement of teeth
280 and cooperating pawls 278 causes the entire input or drivs
member 248 to be centered wi~hin the annular rim 267. With
respect to the printing function, adjust~ent of the detent
mechanism 247 changes the position relative to the printing
zone bet~een the print head 219 and the platen 217 to ~lich ~:
a label 36 is advanced. With xespect to the delarninating
function, operation of the detent mechanism 247 also changes
the position to which the label 36 is advanced. Accordingly,
it is apparent that the detent mechanism 247 is use,ul both
in establishing .he position to which a label i5 advanced ~ -
relative to the printing zone and to the delaminating zonen
It is lmportant that just t'ne correct a~ount of trailins
~arginal end edge of the label remain adhered to the peel
edge so that the label 36 is held in that position until it
is ready to be applied to merchandise by the applicator 253.
As best shown in FIGURES 15, 17, and 1~, the supporting
material 32 is initially brought into enyagement with ~he feed
wheel 244 as it passes around the die wheel 259. The die
wheel 259 is comprised of an annular plastic roll 281 journaled
by subframe sections 215 and 216. The roll 281 has frictional
members in the form of rubber O~rings 232 received at space~-apart
locations about the periphery of the roll 281. The O-rings
straddle the tee~h 249 and are just spaced apart far enough to
act as a die wheel with mating teeth 249. ~s a tooth 249 b2gins
to engage the web of supporting material 32 at the cut 39S
/~ .
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~L~7~ 8
(FIGURE 2), the die wheel 259 cooperates witil the tooth 249 to
hold the supporting material 32 on each side of the group 3~ of
cuts in intimate contact with the outer surface of the feed
wheel 244 as best shown in FIGU~E 18. $his insures that the
tooth 249 properly bursts or forms a hole, facilitated by the
group 38 of cuts, in the supporting material 32 and that the
drive face of the tooth 249 is in driving engagement with the
leading cut 41S. When the first too~h 249 registers with the
group 33 of cuts in the supporting material 32 the composite
web 30 is properly registered with the printing zone and the
delaminating zone. Once such registration is accomplished
as the result oE the tooth 249 cooperating with the die roll
259~ correct registration continues.
The platen 217 and the peel edge 218 ~FIGU~ES 1, 3
and 4) are formed from an inversel~-bent pla~e having a pair of
side-by-side plate portions 2~3 and 284 joined by an inversely-
bent por~ion 285~ The inversely-bent portion 2~5 has a small
radius and defines the peel edge 218. The plate portions 283
and 284 are co-extensive and are secured to each other by
weldments 286. The plate which forms the platen 217 and the
peel edge 218, received in recesses 286' in subframe sections
215 and 216, is preferably constructed of highly polished
stainless steel. The sides of the plate that forms the platen
217 and the peel edge 213 are received in opposed recesses 286'
in the subframe sections 215 and 216. A la~el stopper is provided
by a pair of aligned plates 218' Eormed integrally with the
subframe sections 215 and 216. The plates 218' are disposed
beneath but are spaced from the plate 217. Shoulcl a label 36
/5'
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~L~7~68
attempt to fall onto the supporting material 32 after being
. , .
delaminated at the peel edge 218, the labels 36 will be caught
by the plates 218'. This will prevent any label 36 from
continuing along the path through which the supporting
material 32 passes after passing the peel edge 218
With reference ~o FIGUP~ 3, the stop block 239 is
shown to be slidable on a stop surface 287. The stop block
239 has a threaded bore 288 which threadably receives an
adjusted screw 2890 One half of the screw 289 is rotatably
received in a semi-circular groove 290 and one-hal~ of the
head 291 of the screw 289 is captive in a semi circular recess
292 in the seat 293. The handle portion 233 of the frame section
212 provides another stop surface (not.shown) for the stop block
239 in alignment with the stop surface 2~7, another semi-circular
groove (not shown) opposi~e the groove 290 for receiving the
othsr one-half of the screw 289, and ano~her semi-circular
recess (not shown) opposite the recess 292 for receiving the
other one-half of the head 291. A hole 294, one-half of which
is formed by each handle portion 233 and 234, enables entry
of a tool (not shown) by which the h~ad 291 of the screw 283
can be enga~ed to rotate the screw 289. Rotation of the screw
in one direction will cause the stop block 239 to move upwardly
(FIGURE 3) and rotation of the screw 239 in the opposite direction
will cause the stop block 239 to move downwardly (FI~URE 3)0 It
is apparent that adjustment of the position of the stop block
239 will adjust the limit of the travel of the operator 235.
/~
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~i~7~4~3
With reference to FIGURE 13, the inking mechanism
252 is shown to comprise a one-piece inker body 295 having an
aligned pair of sockets 296 having converging openings 297.
The sockets 296 extend for more than 180 so that the ink roll
298 can be snapped into the sockets 296. The inker body 295
has a pair of aligned projections 299 which are capable of
being snapped into sockets 300 (FIGURE 1) in the cover 251.
The sockets 300 are shaped like the sockets 296. The inker
body 295 has an integrally formed leaf spring or spring finger
301 which is shown in FIGURE 14 to be urged against the cover
251. The spring finger 301 normally urges the inking mechanism
252 into the solid line position shown in FIGURE 14. The ink
roller 298 is shown in FIGURE 14 to be in the path of but slightly
spaced from the print head 219 because in that position the inker
body 295 contacts the frame 221 of the print head 219. When the
print head 219 is moved from the solid line position to the
phantom line position, the ink roll 298 applies ink to the
printing bands 220 and the entire inking mechanism 252 pivots
about projections 299 to the position shown in phantom lines.
When the print head 219 returns to the solid line position
shown in FIGURE 14, the spring finger 301 returns the inking
mechanism 252 to the solid line position.
With reference to FIGURE 13, the ink roller 298 is
shown to comprise a pair of hub section 302 and 303. The hub
section 302 has an elongated projection 304 at one end and a
stub end 305 at its opposite end. The hub section 302 has an
annular flange 306 between the stub end 305 and a reduced
97~
portion 307. The reduced portion 307 is disposed hetween the
flange 306 and the projection 304. The other hub portion 303
has an annular flange 308 disposed between a reduced portion
309 and a stub end 310. The reduced portion 309 has a bore
304' into which the projection 304 is adapted to be press-
fitted. The projection 304 has straight flutes which serve to
lock the hub portions 302 and 303 together. ~n ink-receptive
tubular porous roll 311, composed for example of rubber or
the like, is received on the reduced portions 307 and 309 of
respective hub sections 302 and 303. The flanges 306 and 308
abut the ends of the roll 311 and prevent the roll 311 from
shifting.
With reference to FIGURES 7~ 8 and 9, ~he subframe
sections 215 and 216 are shown to have respective integral
leaf springs 312 and 313. The leaf springs 312 and 313 are
provided with integral annular brake members 314 and 315
having respective annular brake surfaces 316 and 317. Brake
members 314 and 315 are formed integrally with projections or
hubs 318 and 319, surfaces 318' and 319' of which are received
in and mount label core 44. The brake surfaces 316 and 317
cooperate to exert braking forces on the label core 44. Neither
the hubs 31~ and 319 nor the brake members 314 and 315 contact
the composite web 30 which is wound on the label core 44. In
this manner, any gum or adhesive that my exist at the marginal
side edges of the composite web 30 will not be transferred to
the brake surfaces 315 and 317. FIGURE 10 illustra~es, in
exa~gerated form, by phantom lines, the initial positions of
the leaf springs 312 and 313, the brake members 314 and 315
and the hubs 313 and 319. The initial canted position of the
/~
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~L07~6~3
leaf springs 313, the brake members 315 and the hub 319
relative to the remainder of the subfrar.1e section 216 is also
shown in FIGURE 8. Insertion of the label core 44 onto the
hubs 318 and 319 will cause the leaf springs 312 and 313 to flex
outwardly and the brake surfaces 316 and 317 will exert a pre-
determined braking force on the ends of the core 44. The bxaking
force applied to the core 44 will insure that there is tension in
the web 32 of supporting material from the lab~l roll to the
printing zone, to the peel edge 218~ and to the toothed driver
244. As the pawl 266 (FI~URE 15~ prevents the reverse rotation
of the driver 244, it is seen that the apparatus maintains a
slight but desirable amount of tension on the web of supporting
material 32 at all times.
The frame 211 comprises an essentially closed shell
but the raar part ~rovides an access opening 211' through which
a roll of labels can be inserted and a spent core 44 can be
removed without even partial disassembly of the apparatus 210.
With reference to FIGURES 20 through 23, there is shown
the applicator 253 mounted by the frame 211. The applicator 253
comprises a hub 320 shown to have four annular generally V-shaped
grooves 321 in which respective wheels 322 are rotatably moun~ed.
The hub 320 also has a paix of annular flanges 323 disposed
between the set of three wheels 322 and tlle remaining wheel
322. The wheels 322 have ~reat~r diameters than the flan~es
323. The ends of the hub 320 beyond the grooves 321 ars s~ub
ends 324. Undercuts 325 inboard of the stub ends 32~ enable
the hub to be retained in cooperating yieldable sockets 32~
and 327 in frame sections 212 and 213. The sockets 32~ and 327
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are comprised of a plurality of separata socket sec~ions or
flexihle resilisnt fingers 328 and 329 to enable thP stub
ends 324 to be snapped into place. The sockets 326 and 327
and the cooperatiny stub ends 324 provide opposed snap-fit
connections~
The whe~ls 322 are identical so only one is described
in detail. Each wheel 322 is comprised of an annular rim 330
having an annular groove 331 in its outer peripher~. A rubber
0-ring 332 is received in the groova 331. A plurality of equally
spaced-apart arms 333 formed integrally with the rim 330 have
generally V-shaped beaxing sections 334 received in the
respective groove 321. The bearing sections 334 of the arms
333 exert forces against the hub 320, but enable the wheel 322
to rotate relative to the hub 320 and enable the wheel 322 to
yield as a label 36 is being applied to the merchandise.
As the rubber 0-rings 332 have a high coefficient of
friction, rotation of the wheels 322 during label application
is facilitated. The spacing of the wheels 322 allows the
applicator 253 to press the label 36 onto the merchandise
without contacting the printing which was applied to the labels
36 by the print head 219. As the label is pressed onko the
merchandise, the arms 333 allow the wheels to yield. This
yielding action is particularly useful when applying labels
to merchandise haviny irreyular surfaces in that the wheels 327
are mounted for both independent xotational and independent
yielding movements with respect to each other. The flanges 323
prevent the adjacent wheels 322 from deflecting more than a
small amount away from the perpendicular with respect to the
hub 320.
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.
Referring to FIGURE 24, there is shown an exploded
view of the print head 219. The print head frame 221 is shown
to comprise a side plate 335 to which the flanges 222 and 223
are joined. A mounting block 336 is molded integrally with
the side plate 335. The block 336 has a platen or pressure
member 337 and arcuate mounting sur aces 338. The mounting
block 336 also has a socket 339 for receiving a projection 340
of the o~her side plate 341. A post 342 is formed integrally
with the side plate 335 in axial alignment with a hole 343 in
the side plate 341. A pair of studs or posts 344 formed integrally
with the side plate 335 have hooks 345 which engage shoulders
346 of the side plate 341. The side plate 341 has projections
347 which are adapted to fit under projections 348 on the block
336. When the projections 347 are positioned underneath the
projections 348, that is~ between the projections 34S and the
side plate 335, the projection 340 is received in the socket
339, and when the hooks 345 are in engagement with shoulders
346, then the frame 221 is securely but releasably locked
together.
The printing bands 220 are mounted in the frame 221
as best shown in FIGURE 25. The printing bands 220 are urged
against the support or pressure member 337 and are detented
because teeth 349 formed on the underside of each of the printing
bands 220 are in engagement with notches 350 formed on the side
of the support 337. In this position, the projection 340 is
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shown received in the socket 339, the printing bands are
trained par~ially around driven members in the form of wheels
351, the printing bands 220 are under slight tension, and the
wheels are cradled in and rotatable on the mounting surfaces
33~. The wheels 351 havs notches 352 in which the teeth 349
are received.
Each printing band 220 has a pluralit~ of printing
blocks or elements 353. The diferent printing bloc~s 353
of each printing band 220 can print differen$ data, as is
conventional. The printing blocks 353 are contained in a
printing section 354 of the printing band 220q The printing
band 220 also contains a non-printing human readable section
355. The human readable section 355 contains human readable
indicia. The user l~nows what data the printing block 353 at the
pressure me~ber 337 will print by peering through a window 356
I~ is often desirable to change the data which the
print head 219 is to print. This is generally accomplished by
advancing the printing band 220 to the printing position in
which the selected data will be printed on the label~ A
selector, generally indicated at 357, has a knob 353 and a
shaft or tubular portion 359 received by the post 342. The
selector 357 is freely rotatable about the post 342 and is
movable axially so -that its driving members or drive elements
in the form of lugs 360 can be shifted into driving coopera ion
with any one of the driven members 351. Each driven member 351
has a central hole 361 which is provided with a plurality of
notches 362 for receiving respective lugs 360~ Each driven
member 351 is also chamfered at the central hole 361 to the
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driving lugs 360, the selector 357 is shown to have a pair
of opposed pawls or spring detent elemen~s or fingers 36~, -
the ends of which engage the recesses provided by the chamfering
363. The detent fingers 364 serve to hold the selector 357 in
the axial position to which it is manuall~ shifted, but enable
the selector 357 to be shifted to any desired position 50 that
its driving me~bers 360 will be in driving engagement with the
selected driven member 351. Accordingly, by shifting the
selector 357, any one or all of the driven members 351 can be
rotated, one at a time, whish results in the respective printiny
bands or bands 220 being selectively moved to the selected
position ko print the selected data on the labels.
The driving lugs 360 are spaced slightly from the ends
of the recesses or notches 362. Should the user attempt to turn
the knob 358 so as to apply excessive torque to the selector 357,
the driving lugs 360 will deflect and move ou~ of the set of
notches 36 in which they are positioned in the driven member 351
and will move into the next set of notches 362 in the same driven
member 351. Accordingly, there will be relative rotation b~tween
the selector 357 and the dxiven member 351 in which the lugs 360
are received.
There is a spacer 365 betw~en each of the driven members
351 and bands 220. Each of the ~pacers 365 has a pair of lugs
365' which engage around the ends 366 at the ends of the mounting
surface 338.
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The selector 357 is provided with an annular groove
367 adjacent the knob 35~. An indicator, generally indicated
at 36~, has a split collar 369 with a projection 370 received
in the groove 367. The indicator 36~ has a rectangular section
371 which defines the window 3565 The posts 344 have tongues
or guides 344' which are in engagement in grooves 372 in the
rectangular section 371. A pair of pointers 373 disposed on
the inner surface of ~he rectangular section 371 are in align-
ment with the lugs 360 on the selector 357. Accordingly, the
pointers 373 indicate the position of ths lugs 360 so that if
the selector 357 is not in position to drive the desired driven
member 351 and its associated printing band 220, the selector
357 can be shifted to a position in which the lugs 360 are in
driving engagement with the desired driven member 351 to advance !
the associated printing band 220 to the selected position.
As shown in FIGUR~ 24, the side plate 341 has a
projection or lug 374 by which the printing head 219 is guided
by the frame sections 212 and 213 by respective guidss 375 and
376 (see FIGUR~S 1, 3, 14).
The housing or frame sections 212 and 213 are connected
by identical snap-fit connections including generally snap~shapsd
flexible resilient members 377 arranged along the periphexy of
the housing section 212 and engaged in undercut recesses 37~
in the housing section 213. One of these snap-fit connections
is shown in detal in FIGU~E S~
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7~6~3
Th~ subframe sections 215 and 216 of the subframe
214 are connect~d to each other and the frame sections 21~ and
213 of the frama 211 are connected to the subframe 214 by means
o~ three sets of identical snap-fit connections generally
indicated at 379, one of which is shown in detail in FIGURE
19. With reference to FIGURE 19, the frame sections 212 and
213 have respective sockets 380 and 381 comprised of a
plurality of respective flexible resilient fingers 382 and
383. The subframe section 215 has a projection 384 snap-fitted
into the socket 330. The projection 384 has a plurality of
flexible resilient spring fingers 385. ~he subframe section
216 has a projection 386 comprised of a plurality of fleixible
resilient fingars 387 snap-fitted into the socket 381. The subframe
section 215 has a projection 388 comprised of a plurality of
flexible resilient spring fingers 383 received in a socket 390.
The socket 390 is comprised of flexible resilient spriny fingers
391. A projection 392 formed integrally with the frame section
212 extends through the socket 380, through the projection
334, and to about the end of the projection 388 in the socket
390. The spring fingers 3~3 of the socket 381 ars mada thinner
and consequently more flexible than the spring fingers 383 of the
socket 380. An attempt to open up the frame 211 by separating
the frame sections 212 and 213 will cause the frame section 213
to be separated from the subframe section 216. The frame section
212 will remain connected to the subframe 214. As the frame
section 213 is being separated from the subframe 214, the projection
392 prevents the subframe sections 215 and 216 from separatin~
because the spring fingers 389 cannot deflect inwardly because
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of the interference provided by the projection 392. Once
the frame section 213 has been removed, the inside of the
apparatus 218 is exposed. It is apparent that accidental
unsnapping of the subframe 214 or the frame section 212 from
the subframe ~14 is obviated by this construction. Further
disassembly can be accomplished by deliberately unsnapping
the subframe 214 from the frame section 212. This is
accomplished by moving the projection 384 out of the socket
380. ~en this has been accomplished, the projection 392
has moved out of the space between the spring fingers 3S9 ! ~,
of the projection 338 and consequently the subframe sections
215 and 216 can be separated.
With reference to FIGU~ES 7 through 9 for example,
the subframe section 216 is shown to have four projections 393
which are adapted to be snugly received in recesses 394 at the
end of the guide 262. The projections 393 received in the holes
394 assist in removably holding the subframe sections 215 and
216 together.
; With reference to PIGURES 1 and 14 the cover 251 is
shown to have an L-shaped flange 395 at one end and a projection
396 at its other end. To attach the in~ing mechanism 252 to the
appaxatus, the projection 3~5 is pushed under a shoulder 397 of
the frame section 213 and thereafter the cover 251 is snapped
into position by causing the projection 396 to snap under a lip
393 of the frame section 213. In this manner, the inking
mechanism or inker 252 is removably mountQd to the apparatus.
To remove the inking mechanism, the user can engage his fingernall
beneath an extension 399 o-f the cover 251, thereby causing t'ne
projection 396 to snap around thP lip 39~.
~7~68
With reference to FIGURE 6, the operator 235 is
shown to pivot on the pin 237. It is preferred to pivot the
operator 235 at the lower end of the handle 232 in that the
user's strongest fingers, namely his index, middle and ring
fingers engage the operator 235 at substantial distances frorn
the pivot pin 237, while the USQr'S r~latively weak little finger
is close to the pivot pin 237. The ends of the pin 237 are
undercut as indicated respectively at 403 and 404O The ends
401 and 402 are received in sockets 405 and 406 in respective
frame sections 212 and 213. The socke~s 405 and 406 are comprised
of respective flexible resilient fingers 407 and 408. The opexator
235, as best shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, is shown to be generally
U-shaped in section. Legs 409 and 410 are shown to be rotatably
received about the pin 237. The spiral or torsion spring 238
is shown to be received on pin 237 between the legs ~09 and
410. If it is desired to remove the frame section 213 r the
frame section 213 is moved relatively away from the frame section
212 causing the socket 406 to move out of snap-fit engagement
with the end 402. Only when the operator 235 is moved away
from the frame section 212 can the end 401 move out of the soc~et
405 because of interference caused by leg 409. This construction
obviates accidental disconnection of the pin 237 from the frarne
sections 212.
With reference to FIGURE 28 t th~re is shown an
alternative construction by which a selector 357a having a
plurality of driving lugs 360a li~e the lugs 360 and also having
a pair of opposed pawls 364a, selectively controls the setting
of a selected driven member or wheel 351a. The embodirnent of
FIGURE 28 differs frcm the er~odiment of the print head 219
shown for e~arnple in FIGURES 24 through 28 in that each of the
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driven members 351a is provided with an internal annular
groove 411 and the chamfering 363 (FIGURE 27) is omitted.
Accordingly, instead of having the pawl 364a engage between
adjacent driven members 351 as s~own in FIGUR~S 26 and 27
for example, the pawls 364a engage in the groove 411 of one
of the driven members 351a, and as is preferred in the groove
411 of the same wheel with which the lugs 360a are in driving
engagement. By this construction, the driving function as well
as the detenting function are accomplished by the selec~or 357a
in cooperation with a single driven member 351a.
FIGURE 27 is actually an alternative embodiment
which show~ the detenting of one of the pawls 364 in recesses
or grooves provided by beveling or chamfering 363. FIGUR~ 27
shows one of the wheels 351 as wider than the adjacent wheel
3Sl to show that the selector 357 in accordance with the invention
can work equally well with wheels 351 of different siæes without
affecting detenting. With such a construction some of the
printing bands 220 can be wider than ot~ers as is highly
desirable in some applications.
With reference to FIGURES 29 and 30, there is shown
another embodiment of a selector generally indicated at 357b.
Th~ selector 357b is the same as the selector 357 in that it
has four drive lugs 360b, and a pair of opposed pawls 364b.
The selector 357b differs from the selector 357 only in that
the selector 357 is of one-piece construction and the selector
357b is of two-piece construction. The selector 357b comprises
body sections 412 and 413 snap-fitted together. The body section
412 has a non-circular hole, and in particular a square hole 414,
and the body section 413 has a corresponding square portion 415
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'7~L68
received in the hole 414. By this construction, the body
sections 412 and 413 are incapable of rotating relative to
each other. The body section 413 has four flexible resilient
fingers 416 terminating at projections 417 shown in FIGURE 29
to be received over a bead 418. In this position, an annular
flange 419 is in abutment with a shoulder 420 on the body
section 412. The selector 357b is used in the same manner
as the selec~or 357. If desired, ~he selector 357a 5FIGURE 28)
can be made in two parts as illustrated in FIGURES 29 and 30.
Referring to the embodiment of FIGURE 31, there is
shown a print head generally indicated at 219c having two
spaced-apart sets of printing members 220c. The print head
219c has two sets of mounting blocks 366c, two sets of driven
members 351c and posts 344c~ all formed integrally with side
plate 335c. Flanges 222c and 223c and gear sections 224c and
225c are spaced apart wider than the flanges 222 and 223 and
gear sections 224 and 225. Accordingly, the pair of gears
(not shown) which would mesh with gear sections 224c and 225c
would have to be spaced apart by a greater distance than the
gears 242 and 243~ It is also apparent that ball tracks ~not
shown) which would correspond to the ball tracks 230 and 231
would have to bP spaced wider apart, as would be readily apparent
to one skilled in the art. Side plate 3 41c carries a guide
member 374c. The side plate 341c rotatably moun~s a pair of
selectors 357c for the respective set of driven mem~Prs 351co
The posts 344c mount respective rectangular sections 371c which
provide respective windows 356c~ It is readily apparent that
with slight modification the print head 219c can be operated
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~7~L~68
by a mechanism the same in principle and construction as the
mechanism which operates the print head 219.
Referring to the embodiment of FIGURES 32, 33 and
34, there is provided a selector 357d which is identical to
the selector 357. Printing members take the form of print
wheels 220d. Each print wheel 220d is shown to be identical
and comprises printing elements 421 carried by an annular hub
422. A mounting and detenting wheel 423 is shown to be formed
integrally with each side of the hub 422. The wheels 423 have
generally annular outer surfaces 424 received in sockets 425 of
adjacent mounting men~rs 426. The sockets 4?5 comprise an
annular portion 427 and a pair of flexible resilient arms 428
formed integrally therewith. Accordingly, the print wheels 220d
can be inserted either axially into the sockets 425 or they can
be inserted into or removed from the respective soc};ets 425 by
spreading arms 428. Mounting members 426 are provided with
recesses 429 in which offset integrally ormed detent pawls or
spring fingers 420 and 431 are disposed. The pawl 430 of ona
mounting member 426 is cooperable with notches 430' to effect
detenting of an adjacent print wheel 220d on one side of the
mounting member 426, and the other is cooperable with notches
431' to effect detenting of the adjacent print wheel 220d on
the other side of the mounting member 226.
Each wheel 220d has a central hole 432, the ends of
which are chamfered as indicated at 433. As best shown in
FIGURE 34, pawls or detent elements 364d are received in the
chamfering between adjacent wheels 220d and drive elements or
lugs 360d are in driving engagement with notches 362d in the
adjacent print wheel 220dq Notches 352d and associated lugs
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~07 ~68
362d' of each wheel 220d constitute a driven element which
can be driven by the drive elements 360d. If desired, detenting
can be effected in the manner illustrated in the embodiment of
FIGURE 28.
It is preferred to mold the driver or feed wheel
244 of a material which incorporates a lubricant to diminish
the amount of gum or adhesive that is transferred to khe feed
wheel 244 during use to prevent improper feeding. By
incorporating the lubricant in the feed wheel 244 the surface
of the feed wheel 244 has a low coefficient of frictionO ~lowever,
the teeth ~49 are adequate to grip and drive the web 32. One
specific material to be used to mold the feed wheel is an acetal
resin combined with polytetrafluoroethylene lubricants. One
such material is sold commercially under the name Thermocomp,
Number XL-4030 by Liquid Nitrogen Processing Corporation,
Malvern, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The remainder of the apparatus
in FIGURES 1 through 34 except for the pla~en 217, O~rings 282
and 332, the ball bearings 228 and 229, the spring 23S, the
washers 365, and rubber printing bands 220, are composed of
suitable lightweight moldable plastic materials, for example,
acetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or the like, but the
ink roll 311 is preferably constructed of porous vinyl.
Accordingly, the apparatus is very light in weight, and easy
and convenienk to use with a minimum of fatigue.
Other embodiments and modifications of this invention
will suggest themselves to those s~illed in the art, and all
such of these as come within the spirit of this invention are
included within its scope as best defined by the appended claims.
* Trade Mark
3/
