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`
`US(](l6152623A
`
`United States Patent
`Palmer et al.
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`6,152,623
`
`[451 Date of Patent:
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`5_.l¢J3,9l9
`5.358.351
`5,515,950
`5,t')2(J,2t’)8
`5_,a5?,:r'88
`
`........................... .. 4rJan2n
`3:11:93 (jodo ct al.
`in,=t994 Murataetal.
`.. 4Ut:roo5
`4:199: Morietal.
`........ ..
`.. 400x613
`4Kl99‘i' Yamaguchi et al.
`.. —’lUf!,."t':tI3
`1,.-1999 Gutselletal.
`4uo.=m3
`
`
`
`I"'ORI_EIGN PA'I'liN'l" DOCUMl_EN'I'S
`
`IZIIOSF:
`203 664
`European Pat. Off. _
`1131987
`26? 890
`European Pat. OII. .
`European Pat. OII. .
`5It989
`315 487
`European Pat. Off. .
`322 ‘)|‘} WI989
`European Pat. OH. .
`487 313
`1lt"l991
`[European Pat. 011°.
`.
`60"! (125
`?,*t9<)4
`liuropean Pat. Off. .
`66] 163
`‘!,«'t9t»‘5
`European Pat. Off. .
`T52 321
`5;'l9‘)ti
`Japan .
`0 625 42? A2
`l1tt994
`2 16] T54
`"HIEJ84 United Kingdom .
`2 294 ‘JO?
`5i"199f) United Kingdom .
`
`Priimrry t'5,\‘rmtir1er—S1ephen R. Funk
`Arrorrtey, Agent, or Firm—Pennie & Edmonds II P
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The invention refers to a tape printing apparatus (2) used
`with tape cassettes (20. 220, 243. 260, 443). In order to make
`insertion and removal easier, the tape cassette is provided
`with a surface controlling the position ol‘ a printhead (22,
`222, 322, 422) andlor a platen. When the cassette is inserted.
`printhead and platen are automatically separated such that
`the tape (24) can he introduced between them, and after-
`wards moved in the operative position.
`littrther, an over
`center mechanism is proposed for moving printhead and
`platen. The tape cassette (443) can provide a 90° laencl in the
`1ape(24)upstrcam the printing position, and the motor (42)
`can be located besides the zone for accommodating the
`image receiving tape (24). The cassette can be made attach-
`able to other cassettes. and the means for attaching can guide
`and hold the cassette in the tape printer.
`
`32 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`‘E18
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 1
`
`[54] TAPE PRINTING APPARATUS AND TAPE
`H()I..l)ING CASES
`
`[75]
`
`lnvcntors: Mathew Richard Palmer; Sam
`Cockerill. both of Cambridge; Costa
`Panayi, Royston; Robert Charles
`Lewis Day, Cambridge; Charles
`Robert Sims. Royston; Andrew
`Buchanan Halket, Cambridge, all of
`United Kingdom
`
`[73] Assigneez Esselte N.V., Sint-Nildaas, Belgium
`
`[21] App}. No:
`
`09,il80,502
`
`[22
`
`PCT‘ Filed:
`
`Sep. 16, [997
`
`[86]
`
`PCT No.:
`
`I’C'l‘,tEl’97f05065
`
`{$371. Date:
`
`Nov. 12, 1998
`
`§ l02(e) Date: Nov. 12, 1998
`
`[87]
`
`PCI‘ Pub. No; W098/16393
`
`l’C”l‘ Pub. Date: Apr. 23, 1998
`
`[30]
`
`Foreign Application Prinrit_v Data
`
`Oct. 14, 1996
`A1Ig.22_.
`I9???
`
`[GB]
`[GB]
`
`United Kingdom
`United Kingdom
`
`
`
`9621379
`‘WITQ33
`
`Int. CL? ..................................................... .. [54].] 11358
`|5l]
`[52] U.S. Cl.
`........................................... .. 400.3208; 4-0Ui’613
`[58]
`Field of Search ................................... .. 4(l{lf2()8, 613.
`400.5603; 101288
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. P/\TlEN'I' DOCUMENTS
`
`........................ .. 4tJt.l,*(:t3
`‘H1974 Murata et al.
`3.823.808
`. 4tJtt.t208.|
`3,924,727 IZEIIJTS Morelli
`400;’2[I8
`4,<JS3_.05t’:
`UIQQI1 Faleonieri et al.
`5,088.845
`2tt992 Kuraehi ................................. .. 4I'J(l,r'20S
`
`
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 2
`
`

`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 3
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
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`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 4
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
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`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 5
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`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
`“DIOR
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`KEYBOARD
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`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 6
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
`426
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 7
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 8
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 8
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 M13
`
`6,152,623
`
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`Page 9
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`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 9
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 M13
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`6,152,623
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`Page 10
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 12 of 13
`
`6,152,623
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 13
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 13
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 2000
`
`Sheet 13 of 13
`
`6,152,623
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`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 14
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 14
`
`

`
`6,152,623
`
`1
`TAPE PRINTING APPARATUS AND TAPE
`HOI.I)ING CASES
`
`TECHNICAL. FIELD
`
`The present invention relates to tape printing apparatus
`and also to tape holding cases for tape priming apparatus.
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`Known tape printing apparatus of the type with which the
`present
`invention is generally concerned are disclosed in
`EP-A-322918 and EP-A-322919 {Brother Kogyo Kabushiki
`Kaisha) and EP—A-267890 {\/aritronics). These tape printing
`apparatus each include a cassette receiving bay for receiving
`a cassette or tape holding case. In EI’~A-267890, the tape
`holding case houses an ink ribbon and a substrate tape. the
`latter comprising an upper image receiving layer secured to
`a backing layer by an adhesive. In EP-A-322918 and EP-/\-
`322919,
`the tape holding case houses an ink ribbon, a
`transparent image receiving tape and a double-sided adhe-
`sive tape which is secured at one of its adhesive coated sides
`to the image receiving tape after printing and which has a
`backing layer peelable front its other adhesive coated side.
`With both these apparatus, the image transfer medium (ink
`ribbon) and the image receiving tape (substrate) are in the
`same cassette.
`
`The present applicants have developed a dilierent type of
`tape printing apparatus which is described for example in
`EP-A-578372, the contents of which are herein incorporated
`by reference. In this printing apparatus, the substrate tape is
`similar to that described in EP-A-267890 but is housed in its
`own tape holding case while the ink ribbon is similarly
`housed in its own tape holding case.
`The known tape printing apparatus have input means, for
`example a keyboard, to allow the user to input an image to
`be printed. Adisplay is generally also provided to display the
`input image or messages to the user. Acutting arrangement
`is provided to separate the image receiving tape on which an
`image has been printed from the supply of image receiving
`tape to thereby define a label.
`In these known tape printing apparatus, the image receiv-
`ing tape passes in overlap with the ink ribbon through a print
`zone consisting of a fixed print head and a platen against
`which the print head can be pressed to cause an image to
`transfer from the ink ribbon to the image receiving tape. This
`is usually done by thennal printing where the print head is
`heated and the heat causes ink from the ink ribbon to be
`transferred to the image receiving tape. This type of printing
`is known as thermal transfer printing. Alternatively, the print
`head may be in direct contact with a thermally sensitive
`image receiving tape whereby when the print head is heated,
`an image is printed directly on the image receiving tape. This
`type of printing is known as direct thermal printing.
`In order to allow the one or more cassettes to be inserted,
`the print head is generally arranged to move between a first
`non-printing position and a second printing position. When
`the print head is in the printing position, the image receiving
`tape and the ink ribbon, if present, are arranged between the
`print head and a platen with which the print head cooperates.
`In one known tape printing apparatus,
`the print head is
`arranged to be in the first position when a lid of a bay for
`receiving the cassette or cassettes is open and to be in the
`second position when the lid of the bay for receiving the
`cassette or cassettes is closed. {See for example EP-A-
`487313 in the name of present applicants).
`It is has been proposed in EP-A-470648 to provide a lever
`which moves the print head between the first and second
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`positions. In the tape printer disclosed there, the tape driving
`mechanism comprises a roller lixed to the frame of the
`machine, and the cassette is provided with a second roller.
`The tape is driven between these rollers. The printhead is
`interacting with a platen, both of which being fixed to the
`frame of the machine.
`
`In EP—A—327(t76 {Kroy) a cartridge is provided with a
`platen. The cartridge is placed in a tray and when a lid of the
`cartridge receiving bay is closed, the cartridge is moved into
`a position in which respective elements of the cartridge
`engage the print head. The print head in this arrangement is
`stationary.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,216 (Kroy) discloses a tape printer
`with a detachable cassette, which is reteasably [ixed on the
`outside of the housing of the tape printer. The cassette is
`provided with a planar platen interacting with a print head in
`the housing of the printer. In this embodiment. there is no
`driven platen since the tape is manually torn by the user out
`of the tool, while printing is perfonned. A roller is provided
`for sensing the movement of the tape in order to control the
`print head.
`In U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,657 (Smith Corona), a tape printer
`is used in combination with a slot-in type cassette. The
`printhead is pivotally fixed to the housing of the tool and
`interacts with a platen provided in the cassette. Since the
`printhead is spring biased towards the platen, it is capable of
`urging the cassette out of the printer, when the latches
`holding the cassette are released.
`US. Pat. No. 3,823,808 (Canon Kabushiki Kaisha)
`describes another tape cassette, which is used in combina-
`tion with a pocket calculator, which prints inputted and
`calculated data onto a tape in order to dispense with a
`display. A tape cassette is provided with a planar platen
`interacting with a printhead fixed to the housing of the
`printer. Further, a feed roller is provided on the cassette.
`interacting with a roller of the machine in order to drive the
`tape out of the cassette. In order to make the printed data
`more easily visible to the user, the tape in the cassette is bend
`for about 45° before printing.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,351 (Casio Computer Co., Ltd.)
`discloses a printing apparatus in which a sheet-like printing
`medium or a tpa-like tape cartridge can be mounted. The
`printhead ofthe apparatus can print on both media. The tape
`cassette is fonned such that a bend of 90° is performed
`downstream the printhead, such that
`the tape emerges in
`vertical direction from the cassette.
`
`All of the above-described solutions are relatively com-
`plex and hence costly, since they require a complex print-
`head moving mechanism, or a platen in the cassette, which
`makes the cassette, which usually is a one way product and
`thrown away when the tape is used up, much more expen-
`sive. Some prior art embodiments are user unfriendly, since
`they require additional actions from the user in order to bring
`the printhead into the operative position, additional to clos-
`ing a lid of a cassette bay. It is therefore desirable to simplify
`the mechanism for moving the print head between the
`printing and non—printing positions to thereby reduce the
`manufacturing costs of the tape printing apparatus and the
`cassette.
`
`According to one aspect of the present invention there is
`provided a tape holding case for use with a tape printing
`apparatus having a print head for printing an image on an
`image receiving tape, and a surface, said print head and said
`surface having a first printing position in which said print
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 15
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 15
`
`

`
`6,152,623
`
`3
`head acts against said surface and a second non-printing
`position in which said print head and said surface are spaced
`apart, said tape holding case housing a supply of image
`receiving tape and having an interaction portion for sepa-
`rating the print head and the surface so that the print head
`and the surface are in the second position during insertion of
`the tape holding ease in the tape printing apparatus, said
`interaction portion being arranged so that the print head and
`said surface are in the first position when the tape holding
`case is received in said tape printing apparatus.
`By using the tape holding case to separate the print head
`and the surface, the tape printing apparatus can be simplified
`in that no mechanism is required to cause the print head to
`adopt the printing and non-printing positions. The cost of the
`tape printing apparatus can thereby be reduced.
`It should be appreciated that
`in embodiments of the
`present invention, the surface against which the print head
`acts may be stationary at all times whilst
`the print head
`moves to cause the first and second positions to be adopted.
`Alternatively, the print head may be stationary whilst the
`surface moves to cause the first and second positions to be
`adopted.
`it
`is also possible that both print head and the
`surface be movably mounted. In the preferred embodiment
`of the present invention, the surface is substantially station-
`ary whilst the print head is arranged to move.
`Preferably, the print head and the surface are normally in
`the lirst position and the interaction portion is arranged
`during insertion to cause the print head and the surface to
`adopt the second position, said print head and surface being
`in the first position when the tape holding case is received in
`said tape printing apparatus. For example, the print head
`may be biased to the first position so that the interaction
`portion of the tape holding case acts against the biasing force
`to move the print head to the second position.
`Preferably said interaction portion comprises a nose por-
`tion or control surface extending generally in the direction of
`insertion. Thus as the tape holding case is inserted,
`the
`interaction portion can cause the print head and the surface
`to adopt the second position.
`Preferably said nose portion or control surface has a lirst
`surface shaped to gradually move the print head andfor the
`surface to cause the print head and surface to adopt
`the
`second position as the tape holding case is inserted and a
`second surface shaped to gradually move back the print head
`andfor the surface to cause the print head and surface to
`adopt the first position so that when the tape holding case is
`fully inserted in said tape printing apparatus, said print head
`and the surface are in the lirst position. The gradual move-
`ment of the print head andior the surface reduces the
`possibility of any damage occurring to the print head.
`Preferably, said first and second surfaces are angled in
`opposite directions. This permits the print head andior
`surface to be eased from the first position to the second
`position and back to the lirst position.
`Preferably a window is provided in said tape holding case
`adjacent said interaction portion, said image receiving tape
`being arranged to extend across said window, whereby when
`the tape holding case is received in said tape printing
`apparatus,
`the print head and the surface are in the first
`position with the print head on one side of the window and
`the surface against which the print head acts on the other
`side of the window.
`
`Preferably, said print head is mounted on a support
`member and said interacting portion is arranged to contact
`said support member during insertion of said tape holding
`case. By contacting the support member rather than the print
`
`ill
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`head itself, the possibility of damage occurring to the print
`head can be reduced.
`
`Preferably, said interacting portion is arranged to contact
`said print head support member above and,/or below the print
`head.
`
`In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the inter-
`action portion has guide means for guiding said image
`receiving tape. By using the interaction portion also to
`provide guide means for the image receiving tape, the risk
`of tape jamming can be reduced. Tape jamming may occur
`in conventional
`tape printing apparatus if the tape gets
`caught on for example the print head or the platen so that it
`can not be driven through the tape printing apparatus. This
`is a problem which may arise during insertion of the cassette
`in the cassette receiving bay.
`In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
`guide means is provided by the nose portion. Thus, a single
`part of the tape holding case provides not only a means by
`which the print head and the associated surface can be
`separated but also guide means for the image receiving tape.
`in some embodiments of the present invention, the tape
`holding case is provided with reinforcing means for rein-
`forcing thc interaction portion. In those embodiments where
`the interaction portion extends from the main body of the
`tape holding case, the interaction portion may be relatively
`weak and susceptible to damage. The reinforcing means
`reduces the likelihood of damage occurring to the interaction
`portion. These reinforcing means together with the interac-
`tion portion on the main body of the tape holding case may
`define a recess in which the print head or surface ofthe tape
`printing apparatus is receivable.
`Preferably the tape holding case can be used in combi-
`nation with a tape printing device.
`According to a second aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided a tape printing apparatus for printing an
`image on an image receiving tape and a tape holding case as
`described above, the tape printing apparatus comprising:
`receiving means for receiving the tape holding case;
`a print head for printing an image on said image receiving
`tape; and
`a surface against which said print head acts during
`printing, said print head and said surface having a first
`printing position in which the print head acts against
`the
`surface, wherein when said tape holding case is inserted in
`said receiving means, said print head andior said surface are
`moved by said interaction portion of the tape holding case so
`that the print head and surface have a second non-printing
`position in which said surface and said print head are spaced
`apart and when said tape holding case is received in said
`receiving means the print head and said surface are in said
`first position.
`According to a third aspect ofthe present invention, there
`is provided a tape printing apparatus for printing an image
`on image receiving tape, comprising:
`means for receiving a supply of image receiving tape;
`a print head for printing an image on said image receiving
`tape, said print head having a first position in which the print
`head acts against a surface to print an image on the image
`receiving tape, a second non-printing position and a third
`position intermediate said [irst and second positions; and
`moving means arranged automatically to move said print
`head from said third position to said first position when said
`print head is at the third position.
`By arranging the moving means automatically to move
`the print head from the third position to the first position
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 16
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 16
`
`

`
`6,152,623
`
`5
`when the print head is at the third position, the need to apply
`a large external force to cause the print head to adopt the
`required position is removed.
`Preferably the moving means comprises biasing means.
`The biasing means may take the form of a spring. in a
`preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring
`comprises a tension spring which is in a minimum state of
`tension when in the first and second positions but is in a
`greater state of tension when in the third position. The
`increased state of tension of the spring, when in the third
`position, causes the print head to be moved to the first
`position.
`The print head may be mounted on a member, the member
`having a first portion which cooperates with a supply of
`image receiving tape as the supply of image receiving tape
`is inserted in the receiving means, whereby insertion of the
`supply of image receiving tape causes the print head to move
`from the second position to the third position. Thus,
`the
`insertion of the supply of image receiving tape will cause the
`print head to be moved from the second to the third position
`and the moving means will then cause the print head to be
`moved from the third position to the first position. Thus,
`embodiments of the invention may permit the displacement
`which the supply of image receiving tape needs to push the
`member through to be reduced ascomparcd to other possible *
`arrangements.
`One advantage of embodiments of the present invention is
`that the final print head position (i.e. printing position or first
`position) is unrelated to the final position of the supply of
`image receiving tape. The final position of the print head
`should be accurately controlled and generally the number of
`components which alIect it should be minimized.
`The member may have a second portion arranged below
`the receiving means, the first portion being supported by said
`second portion and being in said receiving means.
`The member may be substantially L-shaped with said
`print head being mounted on one arm of said L-shape, the
`first portion of said member being mounted on the other arm
`of the L-shape and said moving means being coupled to the
`member.
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`The first portion may have a sloping surface arranged to
`contact said supply of image receiving tape as it is inserted
`into the receiving means. Preferably, as the supply of image
`receiving tape is inserted, the supply of image receiving tape
`will contact the sloping surface which will gradually move
`as the supply of image receiving tape is inserted further into
`the cassette receiving bay. As the first portion moves, so does
`the part of the member on which the print head is mounted.
`The tirst portion may be arranged to push the supply of
`image receiving tape out of the receiving means as the print
`head is moved from the first position to the second position.
`Thus,
`the supply of image receiving tape may be easily
`removed from the receiving means. when required.
`The print head preferably has a fourth position interme-
`diate said lirst and second positions and the moving means
`is arranged automatically to move the print head from the
`fourth position to the second position, when said print head
`is at said fourth position. The fourth position may be
`intermediate the third and second positions.
`Preferably. the moving means comprises an over centre
`mechanism.
`
`According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is
`provided a tape printing apparatus for printing on image
`receiving tape comprising:
`means for receiving a supply of image receiving tape;
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`a print head for printing an image on said image receiving
`tape;
`a surface against which said print head co-operates to
`print an image on said image receiving tape, said surface
`having a first position in which said surface acts against the
`print head and a second position in which the said surface is
`spaced apart
`from said print head, said surface further
`having a third position intcrmcdiate said first and second
`positions; and
`moving means arranged automatically move said surface
`from said third to said first position when said surface is at
`the third position.
`there is
`According to a fifth aspect of the invention,
`provided a tape holding casc housing a supply of image
`receiving tape, wherein a bend of approximately 90° is
`provided in the tape upstream the printing position of said
`tape.
`The tape holding case according to this aspect offers
`several advantages. First of all, the printed image receiving
`tape emerges from the case in plane in which the printed
`image can be easily seen by the user, since this plane extends
`(due to the 90° bend) parallel to the plane defined by the ease
`and the supply of image receiving tape within the case. Since
`the latter is generally located parallel to the keyboard and the
`display ofthc tape printer, the emerging printed tape can be
`easily seen and checked by the user regarding typing errors.
`The second advantage is associated with the sixth aspect of
`the present invention:
`invention.
`Acccording to a sixth aspect of the present
`there is provided a tape printing apparatus having a platen
`for driving an image receiving tape through a printing zone,
`and a motor operatively connected to said platen by means
`of a gear train, wherein said motor and said gear train are
`approximately located within a plane in which a supply of
`said image receiving tape accomodated in said tape printing
`apparatus is arranged.
`it is thus proposed to position the motor and the gear train
`for driving the platen besides the location in which the tape
`cassette housing the image receiving tape is accomodated,
`instead of below the cassette location, as known from the
`prior art. Thus, a thinner machine can be built.
`It
`is proposed that
`the rotational axis of said platen
`extends parallel to the plane in which the supply of said
`image receiving tape accomodated in said tape printing
`apparatus is arranged. Thus, the case according to the fifth
`aspect of the present invention is used in combination with
`the tape printer according to the sixth aspect of the
`invention, which tape holding case allows due to the 90°
`bend to have a platen arranged orthogonal with respect to the
`supply of image receiving tape. This reduces the height
`required for the driving mechanism of the tape, and a thin
`tape printer is the advantageous result.
`According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is
`provided a tape holding case housing a supply of image
`receiving tape, the tape holding case comprising a casing
`having means thereon for attaching the tape holding case to
`a second tape holding case. The proposed tape holding case
`is thus easily stackable.
`There is further. according to an eigth aspect of the
`invention, provided a tape printer in combination with a tape
`holding case with means for attaching it
`to a second tape
`holding case, wherein the tape printer has a zone for
`receiving the tape holding case, wherein the zone comprises
`elements interacting with the means of the tape holding cast:
`for attaching it to a second tape holding case.
`Thus, the means for attaching the tape holding case to a
`second one can further serve to guide and hold the tape
`holding case in the respective tape printer.
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 17
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 17
`
`

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`6,152,623
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`7
`For a better understanding ofthe present invention and as
`to how the same may be carried into effect, reference will
`now be made by way of example to the accompanying
`drawings in which:
`FIG.
`1 shows a plan view showing the front of a tape
`printing apparatus;
`FIGS. 20 to c show a schematic plan view of a first
`cassette receiving bay with a first cassette, FIGS. 2n to 2c
`showing the three stages during the insertion of the cassette
`in the cassette receiving bay;
`FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cassette shown in
`FIGS. 2:: to c;
`FIG. 4 shows a cross—sectional view of part of the cassette
`shown in FIG. 3 along line A—/\;
`FIG. 5 shows a view from above of a portion of a third
`cassette receiving bay with no cassette present;
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of part of the print head
`amt oli FIG. 5 along line VIII—VIII;
`FIG. 7 shows a modilied version of the cassette ol‘ FIG. 3;
`FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view ofthe nose portion of the
`cassette of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of control circuitry
`for controlling the tape printing apparatus;
`FIG. 10 is a view showing a second tape printing appa-
`ratus;
`
`FIG. 11 shows a top view of a cassette for use in the tape
`printing apparatus of FIG. 10;
`FIG. 12 is a side view of the cassette of FIG. 11;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 11;
`FIGS. 14:: to e show a schematic plan View of the cassette
`receiving slot of the apparatus of FIG. 10 with the cassette
`of FIG. 11, FIGS. 14a to 14¢’ showing five stages during the
`insertion of the cassette in the cassette receiving slot;
`FIG. 15 is a view showing the interior of the apparatus of
`FIG. 10;
`FIG. 16 is a side view on the apparatus of FIG. 15;
`FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a fifth cassette
`receiving bay in which a tifth cassette is inserted; and
`FIG, 18 is it schematic plan view ol’ a sixth cassette
`receiving bay with a sixth cassette inserted therein.
`DI;-'.'I‘AII.l_7.D DI.-‘.SCRlP'I'ION OF 'I'IIl_-I
`PIIEFERIZED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a tape printing apparatus 2.
`The tape printing apparatus 2 comprises a keyboard 4. The
`keyboard 4 has a plurality of data entry keys such as
`numbered, lettered and punctuation keys 6 for inputting data
`to be printed as a label and function keys 8 for editing the
`input data. The keyboard 4 may also have a print key 10
`which is operated when it is desired that a label be printed.
`Additionally. an onfolf key 12 is also provided for switching
`the tape printing apparatus on and olI.
`The tape printing apparatus 2 has a liquid crystal display
`(LCD) 14 which displays the data as it is entered. The
`display l4 allows the user to view all or part of the label to
`be printed which facilitates the editing of the label prior to
`its printing. Additionally,
`the display 14 is driven by a
`display driver 16 which can be seen in FIG. 9.
`Next to the keyboard 4 of the tape printing apparatus 2,
`there is a cassette receiving bay 18 which is arranged to
`receive a cassette 20 housing a supply of image receiving
`tape 24. The cassette receiving bay 18 is generally covered
`by a cassette bay lid 4|]. Various embodiments of the cassette
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`receiving bay [8 and the cassettes to be received therein will
`now be described in relation to FIGS. 2 to 16.
`
`A lirst embodiment of the present invention will now be
`described with reference to FIGS. 20 to c, 3 and 4. These
`Figures show the key elements present
`in the cassette
`receiving bay 218. In this embodiment, a print head 222 is
`mounted on a print head arrn 226 which is pivotahle about
`pivot point 228. The pivot point 228 is arranged at one end
`of the print head arnt 226 whilst the print head 222 is
`arranged at the other end thereof. The print head 222 acts
`against a rotatable platen 234 which is provided in the tape
`printing apparatus 2. The print head 222 is biased in a
`direction towards the platen 234. The platen 234 rotates in
`the direction of arrow F to drive the image receiving tape 24
`through the tape printing apparatus 202 as an image is
`printed thereon.
`In addition to a supply spool 232 ol‘ image receiving tape
`24,
`the cassette 220 includes a nose portion 240 which
`extends outwardly from the main body 243 of the cassette
`220. The cassette 220 is inserted into the cassette receiving
`bay 218 in the direction of arrow G, with the nose portion
`240 forwardmost.
`
`The nose portion 240 will now be described with refer-
`ence to FIGS. 2:: to c as well as FIGS. 3 and 4. The nose
`portion 240 comprises a wall 242 extending parallel to the
`plane of the image receiving tape 24. This wall 242 is
`effectively a continuation ofone of the walls 245 of the main
`body 243 of the cassette 220. A window 244 is delined in this
`wall 242. The window 244 is positioned such that when the
`cassette 220 is in the position shown in FIG. 2c, that is fully
`received in the cassette receiving bay 218, the platen 234 is
`on one side of the window 244 and the print head 222 is on
`the other side thereof. The window is also sufficiently large
`so that the print head 22 can be biased against the platen
`234 through the window 244 so that an image is printed on
`the image receiving tape 224 and the image receiving tape
`224 is also driven through the tape printing apparatus.
`Also provided on the wall 242 of the nose portion 240,
`which can be seen particularly clearly from FIGS. 2:.‘ to 2c
`is a bulged porti