CA1245204A - Tape supply cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved device for advancing and assuring alignment of the tape. The cartridge also includes a mechanism for preventing the ribbon supply spool from free wheeling and improved structure for interfacing with the lettering machine to advance the tape.

Description

~ 5 Title: Tape Sup~ly Cartridge 1 BAC~GROUND OF ~E INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an improved tape supply cartridge for use with a lettering apparatus or type composing system, and more particuJ.arly, to a tape supply cartridge for housing a supply of lettering tape and supplying the same to a lettering station in the above-mentioned apparatus. In the preferred embodimentr the cartridge also includes a supply of lettering ribbon and means ~or advancing the same toward the le~ering station. Further features of the prese~t invention include an improved tape and ribbon advancement and alignment means, an improved means ~reventlng free wheeling o~ the ribbon supply and improved means for interfacing the cartridge with the apparatus.
Typical prior art printing apparatus and type composing systems including tape supply cartridges therefor are des~ribed in U.S. Patent Nos~ 3,834,507, 3,912,064, 4,015,700, ~,226,547, 4,243,333 an~ 4,402,61~. Each of the machines described in these patents includes a printing or lettering station, a raised character positionable into alignment at such 20 station~ means or providing a printing or lettering force and means associated with the cartridge for appropriately advancing the tape and rib~on. P.l~chough the prior tape supply cartridges function satisfactorily in many applications, the cartridge of the present inven~ion embodies ~everal improved features.
These features include an improved means for supplyin~ and advancing the tape and ribbo~ to ~he lettering station for proper alignment, improved means preventing free wheeling of the ribbon supply and various improved means for interfacing ~he cartridge wi~h the apparatus~

SUMMARY OF TE~E INVENTION
The tape supply cartridge of the present invention is adapted for use in a lettering apparatus of the general type having a lettering station~ means for provi~ing a raised character or th~ outline of a character in alignment with such station and a means for crea~ing a force to transfer an image of the raised character to the tape or to cut out a character in the shape of said outline from the tape. More specifically, che cartridge o~ ~he present invention includes a housing embodying a portion con~aining a supply of tape and ribbonO
Means are provided in the form o~ an improve~ shut~le assembly for advancing the tape and ribbon from the supply portion of the housing to the lettering station. This shuttle assembly includes means in the form of a rocker mechanism for increasing the gripping force on the tape during advancement of the tape toward the station and means for releasing such force as the shut~le assembly i5 moved rearwardly. The rocker mechanism inter~ace~ with an appropriate drive arm on the ~pparatus and insures a much quicker and more accurate tape advancement~
Means are also provided for improving the alignment of th~ ~ape and ribbon and for guiding the tape and ribbon into alignment with the lettering station. This means includes tape and r~bbon guide elements which in~erface with appropriate portions of the machine to permit centering o~ the tape and ribbon with respec~ to the machine rather than the supply cartridge~
The cartridge of the present invention also includes ribbon rewind means for rewîn~ing spent ribbon in a plane which is common with the ribbon supplyO This ribbon rewind feature includes a ribbon rewind spool and a pair of clutch members for permit~ing rotation o the ribbon rewind spool in one direc~ion only. The ribbon rewind means also includes means for driving 1 the ribbon rewind spool as a result of reciprocal movement of the shuttle assembly. The cartridge of the present invention also includes impro~ed means associated with the ribbon supply spool to prevent the same from free~heeling or unwinding due to vibrations or movement of the cartridge. This means includes a ratche~ mechanism which is released as ~ension is placed on the ribbon during rewinding, but which engages the ribbon supply spool when such tension is released. The cartridge also includes an opening in its bottom edge facilitating the sensing of the amount of tape remaining in the cartridge and various other interface features which permit ~he cartridge to be properly aiigned within the apparatus.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tape supply cartridge having improved means for advancing the tape toward the lettering station.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tape supply cartridge having an improved means for guiding and insuring alignment of the tape with respect to the lettering station~
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tape-ribbon supply cartridge having a ribbon rewind means which is driven by a linkage between the shu~tle assembly and the ribbon rewind spool.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a ~ape-ribbon supply cartridge having an improved means in the form of a ratchet mechanism for preventing free~wheeling of the ribbon supply spool~
Another ob~ect o the present invention is to provide a tape supply cartridge having means for facilitating the sensing o ~he amount of tape remaining in the car~ridge.

These and o~h~r objects of the present invention will become apparen~ wi~h reference to the drawing, the description of ~he preferred embodimen~ and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWING
Figure 1~ comprised of ~igures la and lb, is an exploded, pictorial view of the tape supply cartridge of the pxesent inventionA
Figure 2 is an elevational side view of the inside of the ~ape supply car~ridge of the presen~ in~en~.ion with one side o~ the housing remoYed.
Figure 3 is an elevational side view, with por~ions broken away, showing the ribbon supply spool and the ratchet means for preventing free-wheeling thereof.
Figure 4 i5 a view, p~r~ially in section, of the ribbon supply spool ~nd ratchet means as viewed along the section line 4-~ of Figur~ 3, with the left side housing section added~
Figure 5 i8 an enlarged elevational side view of a portion of the shut~le assembly showing the rocker mechanism and leaf ~pring in a released position.
Figure Sa is an enlarged elevation~l side view of a portion of the shuttle assem~ly showing the rocker mechanism and leaf spring in a gripping po5ition, Figure 6 is a view, par~ially in section~ as viewed along the section line 6;~6 of Figure 5, with ~he lef~ side housing section added.
Figure 7 is a top eleva~ional view of the rocker mechanism which forms a part of the shuttle assembly.
Figure P is a view7 partially in section, of the tape-30 ri~bon guide and alignment means as viewed along the sectionline 8-8 of Figu~e 2, wi~h the lef~ sid~ housiny section added and the car tridge inserted within the appara~us .

1 Figure 9 is a view, partially in seotion, of the tape supply guide and alignment means as viewed along the section line 9-9 of Figure 2, with a frame member of the apparatus added.
Figure 10 is a sectional view of the ribbon rewind means as viewed alo~g the sec~ion line 10-10 of Figure ~.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the ribbo~ rewind means as viewed along the section line 11-11 of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a sectional vie~ of the ri~bon rewind means as viewed along the section line 12-12 o~ Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a ~iew, partially in section, as viewed along the section line 13-13 of Figure lt with parts added.
Figure 14 is a view, partially in sec~ion, as viewed along the section line 14-1~ o Figure 1, with parts added.
Figure 15 is an elevational bottom view of the cartridge.
Figu~e 16 is a pictorial view showing the end of the tape supply ~pool.
DESCRIPTION OF TaE PREFERRED EMBODIMEN_ Reference is irst made to Figures. 1 and 2 in which the tape supply cartridge o the present invention is shown in both an exploded ~Figure 1) and an assembled (Figure 2) form~
The car~ridge includes a cartridge housing comprised of a pair of sid~ housing sections 11 and 12. Each of ~he housin~
sections 11 and 12 includes a rearwardly disposed tape and ribbon supply portion 14 for housing a supply of tape 18 and ribbon 19, a forwardly disposed ribbon rewind por~ion 15 for housing a ribbon rewind spool 20 and re~a~ed s~ructure and a sidawall connecti~g portion 16 joining the tape and ribbon supp~y portion 14 with the rib~on rewind portion 15~ The housin~ also includes a peEipheral edge 13 ~o enclose the portiQns 14 and 15 when assembled.

5~
Housed within the cartridge is a supply of lettering tape 18 and ribbon 19, a means in the form of the ratchet mechanism 21 to preclude free-wheeling of the ribbon supply spool 19, means in the form of a shuttle assembly 22 f~r ad~ancing the tape an~ ribbon into alignment with the lettering station, means in the form of the tape and ribbon guide member ~4 for guiding and properly aligning the tape and ribbon with respect to the lettering station and a means for rewinding spent ribbon onto the rewind spool 20.
~ith continuing reference to ~igures 1 and 2, each of the cartridge slde housing sections 11 and 12 includes a central support post 26 ~or rotatably supporting the supply of ~ape 18. Extending yenerally radially outwardly ~ro~ the center post 26 are a plurality of tape support vanes 28 which function to retain the supply o~ tape 18 properly positioned wlthin the cartridge. It should be noted that the width o~ the vanes 28 will vary to accommoaate various widths of tape 18.
Altbough not specifically illustrated, the inside of the cartridge housing section 12 includes a central tape support post and a plurality of radially extending tape support vanes similar ~o those shown in the housing section 11. Disposed about a portion of the periphery of the tape supply 18 are a plurality of curved sec~ions 29 which also function to help retain the tape supply 18 within the cartridge and ~o maintain the same in a relatively circular configuration. The cartridye housing section 12 includes similar por~ions 29~ Disposed on each side of the tape supply 18 is a disc member 30 which has a tack surface on the side facing the ~ape supply 18. The primary functions of ~he discs 30 are ~o preven~ the tape supply 18 from free-wheelin~ or unrolling due to vibrations or movemen~s of the car~ridge, to protec~ the side edges of the 1 ta~e and to maintain ~he supply of t~pe in a generally circular configuration.
As shown best in Figure 1, the left side housing section 12 includes a recessed cartridge alignmen~ slot 23 to mate and interface wi~h an indexing or alignment tab 37 (Figure 13) on the machine. A yenerally v-shaped entrance or lead-in ramp 27 is also pro~ided ~o guide the indexing tab 37 into engagement with the slot 23. The relationship between the slot 23 and indexing ~ab 37 is illustrated bes~ in Figure 13 which shows the tab 37 ex~endins through an ope~ing in the forward frame ~ember 33 of the machine and into the slot 23.
The left side housing sec~ion 12 also includes a pair of alignment openings 17, 17 for engagement by a pair of correspond.ing, spr~ng biased index elements 47a. As shown i~
Figure 14, the elements 47a are carried by a section 47 of the sprin~ steel or similar ma~erial. The spring secti~n 47 is secured at i~s upper end to a po~tion o a kerning slide 47b and extends downwardl~ through an opening 33a in the frame member 33 to permit engagement between the elements 47a and the openings 17, 17. As a result of such engagement and the spring 47, the ca~tridge is biased toward the opposite side of the cartridge receiving cavity. In the preferr~d e~bodiment, such cavity is defined by the frame me~bers 98 (Figures ~ and ~) and 33 (Figures 13 and 14).
The bot~om of the tape supply supply por~ion 14 of the cartridge is provided with an access opening 43 to permit access by a tape sensing mechanism 57 as ;llustrated in Figure

2. The mechanism 57 includes a pair o~ rollers 53, 53 which ride against the ~ape supply 18. The mechanism 57 is connected ~0 with a lever arm for indicating the amount of tape 18 remaining in the car~ridge. ~s the ~ape 18 is used up, the mechanism 57 ~ z'~
i m~ves upwardly as viewed in Figure 2, thereby causing corresponding movement of a connection linka~e to reflect remaining tape supply. In ~he preferred embodiment, ~he mechanism carries a pair of metal rollers 53, S3 for engagement with the tape supply. ~hese rollers are connected wi~h appropriate electrical means for causing an audio or visual signal if electrical contact is bridged between the rollers 53, 53. As shown in Figure 16, the tape 18 is supported on a spool 9. The end of the tap~ is provided with a metal foil layer lo 127. ~ the ~ape supp~y nears its end, ~he rollers 53 7 53 will engage the foil 127 and resuit in electrical connection be ween the roller~ 53, 53~ This in ~urn causes a visual or audio signal indicating to the user that he or she only has a few inches of tape remaining.
As illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more speci~ically in Figures 3 and 4, the ri.bbon supply 19 is wound onto a support ~pool 31 which i~ integrally joined with a side flange portion 32. Also integrally joined with the spool 31 is a rearwar~ly disposed ratchet portion 34 having a plurality of ratchet teeth disposed about its periphery. A washer 36 is adapted to b~ press-fit onto the opposite end of the spool 31.
The spool 31 includes an interior cylindrical opening which permits ths ribbon supply 19 and asso~ia'ced supportin~
struc~ure to be mounted ~or ro'cational movement on the support post 35 . The post 35 is integrally f ormed with the housing section 11~, When disposed between the housing sec~cions 11 and 12 as illustra'ced best in Figure 4, the ou~er end of the support post 35 mates with a correspondin~ly located circular flange on ~he inside surf~ce of the h~using section 12. A coil spring 38 is disposed in an annular opening in the spool 31 to maintain the ribbon supply 19 in a position biased against the 1 housing section 11 and to assist in preventing the ribbon supply 19 from fre~y unwinding.
Additional means are provided for preventing the supply of ribbon 19 from unwinding in ~he form of the ratchet mechanism 21. As illustrated best in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the ratchet mechanism 21 includes an elongated, rearwardly extending ratchet arm 39 having a tooth at its outer end for selective engagement with the teeth in the ratchet member 34.
Extending ou~wardly f rom the forward end of the ratchet arm 39 lo and i~ a direction generally parallel to the support post 35 is a ribbon guide member 40. The ratchet mechanism 21 also includes a spring member in ~he form of a rearwardly extending flexible member 44 which is positioned so tha~ its rearwardmost end is in engagement with the top, inner edge of the housiny section 11. The entir~ ratchet mechanism 21 is supported between the housing sections 11 and 12 in rotational relat~onship by the post ~1 which extends into small openings in the side walls o~ the housing section~ 11 and 12~ A roller or sleeve member 42 is disposed around the post 41 to permit the ribbon 19 to move freely through the ratchet mechanism 21.
The principal unction of the ratchet mechanism 21 is to pre~ent the supply of ribbon 19 from free-wheeling or un~inding from the spool due to vibrations or movements of the cartridge. This is done as a result of engagement between the ratchet tooth of the rearward end of t~e ratchet arm 39 and o~e of the ratche~ teeth in the ratchet member 34~ This is shown best in Figure 3. The ratchet arm 39 is retained in this engaged position as a result of the spring action caused by the flexible member ~4 ac~ing on the inside surface of the housing section 11. The ra~chet arm 39 i~ released, however r when tension is placed on the ribbon 19. As a force is exerted on ~ s~
the ribbon 19 such as by pulling it toward the left in Figure

3, the ribbon causes upward movement of the post 40 to the position illustrated by the ~roken line against the force of the flexible member 44. This similarly causes upward mov~ment of the ratchet arm 39 t~ the p~sition of ~he broken line, thus disengaging the ratchet teeth and permitting the ribbon 19 to be fed f rom the r ibbon spool . Af ter leaving the r ibbon supply spool 31, the rib~on ~9 is directed past the tape clutch post 45 (Figure 2) and through various guide openings in ~h~ shuttle 10 assembly 22 and ~he ape guide mean~ 24.
After leaving th~ tape ~upply spool7 the tape 18 is guided ~y the paper dlv~ der 50 and by various structural elements integrally formed with the cartridge housing sections 11 an~ 12 to the ~huttle assembly 22 . Specif ically, the ~ape 18 is direc~ed above a guide post 46 formed in each of the housing sections 11 and 12 and then between the bias member 51 and the means in the ~orm of the clutch post 45 for resi~ting the force of the bias member 51. In the preferred emhodiment, the bias member 51 is a lea~ spring which is supported by the surface 49 and retained by three retaining elements 48 integrally formed on the surface 49. The clutch post 45 i~
integrally formed with the inside surface of the housing section il and ex ends outwardly therefrom at right an~les~
The ~op surface of ~he clufch post 45 is generally fla~ to support the ribbon 19 as î~ is directed toward the shuttle assembly 22. It should be noted that ~he leaf spri~g 51 is prestressed toward the left as viewed in Figure 2 ~o permit the tape 18 to be advanced ~oward the left relative to the cartridge housin~, but to prevent movement of the tape 18 toward the right. I~ an attempt is made to move the ~ape 18 toward the right as viewed in ~igure 2, the ou~er edge of the --~0--1 lea~ sprin~ 51 di~s irtto the underside of the ~ape 18 and precludes such movement.
The shuttle assembly 22 is illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more specifically in Figures 5, S and 7 .
The shuttle assembly 22 includes a rearwardly disposed tape and ribbon guide portion 52 which includes means in the form of the gl~ide slots 55 and 56 (Figure 6) for guiding the ribbon 19 and the tape 18, respectively, along a path toward the lettering station~ Means are also provided for gripping the tape 18 and advancing the same ~oward the lettering sta~ion and means in -~he form of the forwardly extending fiuppor~ and slid~ ar~ 54O
The arm 54 is slidably connec~ed with the inner side wall of the h~using ~ection 11 to permi~ the shuttle assembly 22 to be moved reciprocally between ~orward and rearward positions, With reference to Figure 6, an upper flange 59 is positianed immed~ately above the vertically spaced guide slots 55 and 56. The flange 59 includes edge portlons extending laterall~ ou~wardly from the main body portion 52 for supporting and guiding the shu~tle assembly 22 along the top edge of the housing sections 11 and 12. The left side of the portion 52 as viewed :ln Figure 6 includes a further guide portion in the form of the recessed area 60 which mates with a sorresponding rib on the inside surface of the housing section 12J A spacing tab 58 is connected with the top surface of the member 59 and is adapted for engagement with a spacing rinq 131 located on the marhine font 128 (Figure 2) in a manner known in the art.
With reference to Figure 5, ~he rearward guide portion 52 also includes a bias resis~in~ por~ion 61 and a plurality of leaf spring support me~bers 65, 66 and 68 for suppor~ing and prestressing a leaf spring member 75 in the posit~n 1 illustrated. Specifically, one side edge of the leaf spring 7 is supported by the side surface of the portion 52 while the opposite side edge of ~he leaf spring 75 is retained by a portion of the me~ber 68 and an overhanging portion 63 of the rocker arm retaining pos~ 62. It should be noted that the leaf spring 7S as viewed in Figure 5 is prestressed toward the left. Thus, it func~ions to permit forward movement of the tape 18 toward the left relative to the shuttle assembly, and to preclude rearward movement of the tape 18 toward the right relative ~o the shuttle asse~bly.
The shuttle assembly includes a rocker mechanism 69 which functions to in~rease the force o~ the leaf spring 75 against the bottom surface of the tape 18 when the shuttle is being advanced, and to release the force o the spring 75 from the tape 18 when the shuttle is moved rearwardly. The rocker mechanism 69 is pivotally secured with respect to ~he portion 52 by the pivot post 64. As shown bes~ in Figure 7, the pivot post 64 includes a s~mall outwardly extending flange portion 67 which locks into an opening in the portion S2 to prevent the rocker mechanism 69 from being ina~vertently dislodged from its operational position. A second retain~ng post 71 is connec~ed with a side of the rocker mechanism 69 and extends through an arcuate opening 77 (Figure 5) in the portion 52. ~s illustrated best in Figure 7, the retaining post 71 also includes an outwardly extending tab for retaining the rocker mechanis~n 69 adjacent to the surface of the portion 52.
The rocker mechanism 69 also includes a pair of outwardly extending, forward and rearward drive surfaces or tabs 70, 70. These tabs 70, 70 are spaced apart from one another and define a drive arm receiving cawity for receiYing a mating drlve arm 125 from the machine into which the cartridge 1 is inserted. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the drive arm 125 is inserted into the receiving cavity between the drive tabs 70, 70 and unctions to pivot the rocker mechanism S9 about the pivot 64 and to advance and retract the entire shuttle assembly~ ~uring forward movement of the drive arm 125, the rocker mechanism 69 is first pivoted in a generally clockwise direction as viewed in Figure S about the pivot 64.
This initial clockwise movement will cause the post 62 to press the lea:E spring 75 more tightly against the bottom surface sf lo the tape 18, thus increasing the gripping force between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18. Following initial clockwise rotation of the rocker mechanism 69, further forward movement of the drive arm 125 results in the entire shuttle assem~ly bein~ moved in a forward direction D Because of the gripping force between the leaf spcing 75 and ~he tape 18, the tape 18 will be advanced forwardly along with the shuttle assembly~
The position o ~he rocker mechanism 69 during this forward movement is illustrated in Figure 5. After reaching its forwardmost advancement as permitted by engagement between the stop surface 73 and the stop arm 126, and upon commencement of a lettering cycle, the drive arm 125 moves rearwardly. Initial rearward movement of the drive arm 125 results in initial counterclockwise movement of the rocker mechanism 69 about the pivot 64 to the position illustrated in Figure 5a. This movement causes the force of the leaf sprin~ 75 acting against the tape 18 to be released as a result of en~agement between the spring retaining flange 63 and the leaf spring 75. Upon further rearward movement of the drive arm 125, the entire shuttle assembly 22 moves rearwardly. ~owever, because of the existence of the clutch member 51 (Figure 2), the tape 18 will remain stationery w1th respect to ~he car~ridge housing.

-l As shown best in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the shuttle assembly 22 also includes a pair of guide tabs 72, 72 which function to guide the drive arm 125 into engagement w~th the drive arm cavity between ~he drive tabs 70, 70. A guide tab 74 insures the guiding of the apparatus stop arm 126 ~Figure 2) into its operative position against the stop surface 73 (Figures 1 and 2). The stop arm 126 functions to limit the forward movement of the shu~tle assembly and therefore defines the forwardmost advaneement of the tape 18. In the preferred embod~mentr the drive ar~ 125 and stop arm 126 are disposed in general~y side-by~side relationship.
The forward end of the shuttle assembly 22 includes the support and slide arm 54~ ~ pair of elonga~ed guide and support slots 76 and 78 are located in the arm 54 and designed to slide along the support and guide posts 79 and 80, respectively. The posts 79 and 80 are in~egrally connected with the inside surface of the housing section 11. It should b~ noted that the support post 80 incl~des a small downwardly extending flange portion which functions to retain the arm 54 closely adjacent to the inside surface of the hou~ing section 11. Disposed in a portion of the arm 54 is a recessed section 81 which is designed to mate with a portion of the tape and ribbon guide assembly 24 to insure that the shuttle assembly will remain in a forward position when ths cartridge'is removed from the machine. Extending upwardly and rearwardly from ~he forward end of ~he support and guide arm 54 is a means for driving the ribbon rewind spool 20 as a resul~ of movement of the shuttle assembly 22. This means is in the form of a movement trans~er arm 82 which includes a plurality of ratchet teeth along its upper edge for corresponding engage~e~t with ratchet teeth on the ribbon rewind member 84.

~zi~
-~ Reference is next made to Figures 1, 2, 8 and 9 illustrating the tape and ribbon guide means 24. The means 24 includes a rearward portion 85 having a laterally e~tending rib 86 which is adapted to mate with corresponding tab portions 87, 87 disposed within the ribbon rewind housing portions 15 of the housing sections 11 and 12. These tabs 87, 87 in conjunction with the portion 85 and rib 86 retain the guide means 24 in a fixed position with respect to the cartridge housing. The guide means 24 also includes a forwardly extending portion 88 10 which extends ~orwardly from a bottom ed~e of the portion 8 and is integrally joined with a tape guide elemen~ 89. The tape guide element 89 extends downwardly from the portion 88 at ~enerally right angles and includes a tape guide tab 92 on one side for 6upporting and guiding the tape 18 in proper alignment with the lettering station. An elongated, flexible m~mber 91 having an inwardl~ extending portion at its lower ~nd extends downwardly from the element 89 for supporting and guiding the other edge of the ~ape 18. The manner in which the elements 91 and 92 support and guide the tape 18 i~ illustrated best in Figures 8 and 9. It should be noted that the normal distance between the guide portion of the tab 92 and the member 91 in its unstressed position is slightly less than the width of the tape 18 which is being used in the cartridge. Thus, when the tape is fed between the yuide por~ions 92 and 91, a slisht force is exerted by the member 91 against the side of the tape~
thereby retaining the tape 18 in constant engagement with the guide portion 92. As shown in Figure 2, the bottom edge of the tab 92 is supported by a portion of the force generatin~ means 130 and moves upwardly and downwardly with the means 130 during a printing or lettering cycle.

1 Posi~ioned forwardly of the tape guide ele~ent 89 and connected thereto i5 a ribbon guide member 94. As illustrated best in Figures 8 and 9, the ribbon guide member 94 includes a ribbon guide slot g6. Integrally c~nnected with the ribbon guide member 94 is an upwardly extending ratchet drive arm 95.
The ratchet drive arm 95 is adapted for engagement with corresponding ratche~ teeth on a portion of the ribbon rewind spool 20. This results in rotation of the spool 20 as a result of upward movement of the forward end of the tape and ribbon guide member 24 caused by engagement between the tab 92 and a portion of ~he ~orce means 130. Such rotation is necessary when narrow tapes are being used to increase the passage of ribbon 19 through the system.
The tape and ribbon guide member 24 also includes a centering tab 90 which is integrally formed with the portion 89. In its normal, pre-stressed position, the tab 90 extends outwardly past the outer surace of the housing section 11 as shown in Figure 15. In this position, the outer edge of the downwardly extending guide tab 92 engages the recessed portion 20 81 on the inner surface of the support and slide member S4 to keep the shuttle assembly in its forward position when the cartridge is out of the machine. When the cartridge is inserted into the machine, the indexing or centering ~ab 90 contacts the rear frame member 98 as shown in Figure a, thereby causing the tab 90 and thus the entire tape and ribbon guide means ~o move inwardly. This results in the tape bein~
accurately positioned in let~ering alignment with respe~t to the frame of the apparatus.
Af~er passing through the ribbon guide portion 94, the ribbon 19 is directed upwardly into 'che ribbon rewind housing lS where it is rewound on~o a ribbon rewind spool 20. As S~2~S~
:l illustrated best in ~igures 1, ~, 10, 11 and 12, ~he spool 20 is mounted for rotational mo~-ement with respect to the post 99 integrally formed with the inside surface of the housing section 15 and extending perpendicular thereto. The rewind spool 20 indudes a generally cylindrical portion 101 having an inner cylindrical surface of a size permitting it to rotate freely on the post 99. The spool 20 also includes an outer and lower flange portion 100 extending about its lower peripheral edge for engagement by one end of a leaf spring member 115 (Figure 2). The leaf spring 115 is supported and retainea w~hin the housing section 15 by ~h~ spring retaining members 116 and 118. As shown, the leaf spring 115 is positioned to engage the ou~er flange 100 to permit it to be rotated in only a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2. Thus, the lea spriny member 115 functions as a one way clutoh to permit rotation o the spool 20 only in a direction to rewind spent ribbon~
Located between the ribbon supporting portion of the spool 20 and the inner cylindrical member 101 is an annular 20 space for receiving a generally cylindrical portion of a ribbon rewind clutch member 84. The clutch member 84 includes a cylindrical portion 108 which is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 101 and which extends upwardly from the generally cyl ind~ical base portion 105. The base 105 has an inner cylindrical opening which permits it to rotate freely on the post 99. The cylindrical portion 108 is disposed within the annular opening between the ribbon supporting portion 20 and the cylindrical section 101. I~sertion of the cylindrical portion 108 is limited as a result-of engagement between the end o~ the section 101 and the base portion 105. The base 105 has a plurality of ratchet teeth 106 positioned about its periphery for engagement with the ribbon rewind drive arm 82.

~2~
As illustrated best in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the cylindrical section 108 is provided with a plurality of leaf SRring Sul?port members 109, 110, 111 and 112 which support a leaf spr ing 114 . The outer end o~ the spring 114 is adapted for engayement with an annular rib 102 formed on an inside surface of the rewind spool 20. The leaf spring 11. is positioned to permit rota~cional movemen~ of the clutch member 84 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the rewind spool 20 ( as viewed in Figure 12 ~, but to preclude clockwise 10 movemerlt of the ~ember 84 relative to the ~pool 20. As a result, rotational movement of the clutch member B4 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figures 2 and 12 results in corresponding clockwise movement of the ribbon rewind spool 20 because of engagement between the leaf spring 114.and the annular rib 102. aowever~ counterclockwise rotation of the clutch member 84 will not cause similar movemen~ of the rewind spool 20 because o~ the direction in which the leaf spring 114 is positioned and because o~ the existence of the leaf spring 115 (Figure 2) preventing counterclockwise rotation of the spool 20.
Rotational movement of the member 84 is caused by engagement between the ratchet teeth on ~he arm 82 and the ratchet teath 106 on the base portion lOS. As the drive arm 8 moves toward the left as viewed in Figures 11 and 12, the clutch member 84 and thus the ribbon rewind spool 20 are caused to move in a clockwis2 direction. Movement of the drive arm 82 toward the right causes counterclockwise movement of the clutch member 84 but no corresponding movement of the ribbon rewind spool 20. The drive arm 82 is supported by the pos~ 12U and the retaining tab 119~

z~
I Having described the structure of the preerred embodiment of the presen~ invention in detail, the operation can be understood as follows, When the cartridge is out of th~
machine, the shuttle assembly 22 is in its forward position and retained there as a resul~ o~ engagemen~ between an outer portion of the tape guide tab 92 and the recessed portion 81 of the arm 54. In this position, the tab 90 of the tape and ribborl guide means 24 extends outwardly beyond the side wall of the housing se~:t on 11., As the cartridge is inserted into the machine" the shuttle drive arm 12S is guided bet-ween ~he rocker drive tabs 70r 70 and into the drive arm cavity by the guide members 72, 72. At the same time, the position;ng tab 37 is guided into the slot 23 by the guide sur faces 27 ~Figure 13~
and the locating portions ~7a snap into the openings 17 ~Figure 14)o This biases the cartrid~e toward the rear panel 98 of the machine ~Figure 8j~ ~lso, as the car~ridge is inserted into the machine, the tape guide alignment tab 90 engages the rear frame member 98 of the machine, thus forcing the tape guide member 89 inwardly to center the tape 18 with respect to the machine. Insertion of the cartridge also results in the tape sensing mechanism 57 being inserted through the opening 43 in the bottom of the cartridge and into engagement with the tape 18 and positioning o~ the stop arm 126 in a position forward of ~he stop surface 73.
As a lettering cycle is initiated, the shuttle assembly is in its forwar~nost position as sho~m in Figure 5a with the forward wall portion 73 in contact with the stop arm 12 6. As the cycle ~eg ins, the pr int bar 130 moves upwardly toward the force resisting means 129, During this upward mo~ement, a portion of the print bar 130 (Figure 2) engages ~he tape guide tab 92 and moves the same upwardly. Such upward s~

1 movement also causes ~he ratchet arm 95 ~o engage the teeth on the rewind spool 20, thus causing a slight rotation of the spoolO Contin~ed upward movement of the print bar 130 creates a force between the print bar 130 and the character on the periphery of the font 128. This causes an image of the character to be transferred from the ribbon 19 to the tape 18 or a character to be cut from a layer of the tape. During the above described lettering step, the shuttle drive arm 125 will begin its rearward movement. Initial rearward movement will cause the rocker assembly 69 to pivo~ in a counterclockwise direc~ion about the pivot 64/ thereby releasing the gripping force o~ the leaf spring 75 with respect to the tape 18.
Further rearward movement of the drive arm 125 will result in rearward movement of the entire shuttle assembly 22. Because of the existence of the leaf spring 51, the tape 18 will remain stationery. The rearward movement of the shuttle assembly 22 will be limited as a result of engagement between the index ~ab 58 and an index or spacing ring 131 on the inside surace of the font. The drive arm 125 will then reverse directions, thereby moving in a forward direction to advance the tape 18 toward the lettering station. During initial forward movement of the drive arm 125, the rocker assembly 69 pivots in a clockwise direction about the pivot 64, thereby causing increased gripping engagement between the leaf spring 75 and the tape 18. Further forward movement of the drive arm 125 results in the entire shuttle assembly and therefore ~ape 18 being advanced to a point which is limited by engagement of the surface 73 with the stop arm 126. During this forward movement of the shuttle, the ribbon rewind drive arm 82 moves in a forward direction as well, thereby causing generally clockwise rotational movement of the cylindrical clutch 84 and x~
correspond ing clockwise rota~ion of the r ibbon rewind spool ~0~ This rotation of the spool 20 pulls printed ribbon 19 from the r ibbon supply spool .
Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific~ it is contemplated ~ha~ various changes could be made without deviatinq from the spirit o~ the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment.

Claims (10)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape to a lettering apparatus comprising:
a cartridge housing including a pair of side walls and a peripheral edge wall extending partially around said cartridge, said cartridge housing further including an opening in said peripheral edge wall to permit access by an elongated, upwardly extending stop arm and an elongated, upwardly drive arm of said apparatus;
a supply of tape within said housing;
advancement means for advancing said tape into lettering alignment with said apparatus including a reciprocally moveable shuttle assembly adapted for forward and rearward movement within said housing and carrying tape gripping means for engaging a said tape and moving said tape forward during forward movement of said shuttle assembly, said shuttle assembly including a forwardly disposed stop surface for engagement with said elongated, upwardly extending stop arm on said apparatus for limiting the forward movement of said shuttle assembly and a drive cavity having forward and rearward drive surfaces for positive engagement by said elongated drive arm on said apparatus during forward and rearward movement, respectively of said
1. Claim 1 continued drive arm, said stop surface and said drive cavity being disposed in generally side-by-side relationship within said cartridge for access by said stop arm and said drive arm through said opening.
   
   2. A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape to a lettering apparatus comprising:
   a cartridge housing;
   a supply of tape within said housing;
   advancement means for advancing said tape into lettering alignment with said apparatus including a moveable tape advancement assembly reciprocally moveable in alternating forward and rearward directions;
   tape gripping means connected with said advancement means and moveable therewith including a tape gripping element for gripping said tape during forward movement of said advancement means; and a rocker assembly mounted for limited pivotal movement with respect to said tape advancement assembly, said rocker assembly having a drive cavity including forward and rearward drive surfaces for engagement by a drive arm on said apparatus, said rocker assembly further including a post member engageable with said tape gripping element for
2. Claim 2 continued...
   
   increasing the gripping force thereof during forward movement of said advancement means as a result of limited pivotal movement of said rocker assembly.
3. 3. The cartridge of claim 2 wherein said tape advancement assembly includes a reciprocally moveable shuttle assembly and tape advancement clutch means for permitting forward movement and preventing rearward movement of said tape relative to said housing.
4. 4. The cartridge of claim 3 wherein said tape advancement clutch means includes a first leaf spring connected with a portion of said housing and having an end adapted for engagement with said tape and said tape gripping means includes a second leaf spring connected with and moveable with said shuttle assembly and having an end adapted for engagement with said tape.
   
   5. The cartridge of claim 4 wherein said rocker assembly includes means connected with said second leaf spring for increasing the engagement force between said second leaf spring and said tape said when rocker assembly is pivoted in one direction and for decreasing the
5. Claim 5 continued...
   
   engagement force between said second leaf spring and said tape when said rocker assembly is pivoted in the opposite direction.
6. 6. The cartridge of claim 5 wherein said first leaf spring is disposed to prevent rearward movement of said tape relative to said housing and said second leaf spring is disposed to prevent rearward movement of said tape relative to said shuttle assembly.
7. 7. The cartridge of claim 6 wherein said housing includes a first backing member for said first leaf spring and said shuttle assembly includes a second backing member for said second leaf spring.
8. 8. The cartridge of claim 2 wherein said means for increasing the gripping force between said tape gripping means and said tape includes a first post connected with said rocker means and spaced from the point at which said rocker means pivots relative to said tape advancement assembly.
9. 9. The cartridge of claim 5 wherein said means for increasing the engagement force between said second leaf spring and said tape includes a first post connected with said rocker means and spaced from the point at which said rocker means pivots relative to said tape advancement assembly.
10. 10. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein said means for decreasing the engagement force between said second leaf spring and said tape includes a second post connected with said rocker means and spaced from the point at which said rocker means pivots relative to said tape advancement assembly.