NO793205L - PRINTING DEVICE. - Google Patents

Description

Clpp's invention relates to an apparatus for printing and dispensing pressure-sensitive labels. A particular embodiment of such an apparatus comprises two frame parts, a sub-frame which is arranged in the frame, and a printing head which is arranged to be moved by the sub-frame'. A composite band of pressure sensitive labels is held by the subframe and the composite band is fed out. off the rolls and are led to a printing zone and from there to a delamination zone where one label at a time is delaminated from the carrier material belt. The carrier material from which the labels have been delaminated is acted upon by a toothed feed wheel which cooperates with a punch wheel to form feed holes in the carrier material. The formation of feed holes is facilitated by weakening the carrier material in the vicinity of, but on the downstream side of, cuts that provide feed edges. When the teeth of the drive wheel cooperate with the punch wheel, the teeth break through, the weakness in the carrier material and bring the labels flush with the printing zone and the delamination zone each time a manual operator is affected. In order to maintain tension in the carrier material all the way from the supply roller to the toothed feed wheel, the structure on which the roller is mounted includes not only a device for providing two hubs extending into the tag core, but also braking surfaces carried by the subframe and which are in engagement only with the ends of the tag core and beyond a braking force to prevent unwanted rotation of the roll. Printing is carried out by means of a printing head which can be moved in and out of the printing cooperation in relation to a printing cylinder or roller. The print head is equipped with two ball tracks or roller tracks. Each subframe part has an outer ball race. One. ball bearing is occupied by one printing head ball track and a respective subframe ball track, and another ball bearing is occupied by the other printing head ball track and the respective subframe ball track.

Various sets of snap-fit connectors are also provided to hold the frame parts together. A set of these snap-fit connectors1 provides snap-fit connectors between the frame parts. Another set provides a snap-fit connection between each frame part and the subframe, and also between the subframe parts. Provision is also made for devices to prevent the sub-frame part from being accidentally released when one of the frame parts is released from the other frame part. With the help of this arrangement, the device can be dismantled systematically without random dismantling of the components that the user Bnsker must be untouched.

The invention also relates to improved devices for selective setting and blocking of printing parts which use a changeable and rotatable selector for selectively changing the settings of some of the printing parts. The selector has a drive element or a drive part and a compliant locking part. The drive part and the detent part are arranged on the selector so that when the drive part is engaged with the selected driven part, the detent part is in the detent position in contact with at least one driven part. In one embodiment, the driven elements or parts can consist of wheels around which respective flexible pressure bands are placed. In this embodiment, the selector can be in driving engagement with one of the driven wheels and can be switched to driving engagement with any of the remaining wheels, so that the pressure bands are set to write the desired data on a record, such as a ticket, - a hem or a label. The locking elements engage either in a recess between adjacent wheels, or in a groove or a recess in one of the wheels. In another embodiment, the pressure parts consist of pressure wheels, where each wheel hub comprises a driven part. The voter is blocked in the same way.

The invention also relates to the provision of a simple, inexpensive printing cylinder or roller which ends in a tear-off edge, for use with the apparatus according to the invention for printing and applying labels. The pressure roller is formed by an inverted boyd metal plate which forms two side-by-side plate parts which are united by an inverted boyd part with a small radius and which defines a tear-off edge. Printing is done when the print head is lined

in printing connection with a label position on the roller, and the printed label is delaminated from the carrier material band at the tear-off edge.

In a special embodiment, the plate parts have essentially the same extent and are attached to each other by welding connections.

The invention also includes an ink roller or an ink mechanism that can cooperate with printing devices in the form of a print head. The color roller comprises a one-piece extended color roller body and an ink or toner roller which is rotatably mounted by means of the color roller body. The ink roller or ink roller consists of a hub which is snap-connected to the color roller body and an ink-receptive roller on the hub. The hub consists of two hub parts. A connecting rod end and a flange inside the connecting rod end are arranged on each hub part. A porous, ink-receptive, rudder-shaped roller is mounted between the hub parts' flanges. The crank rod ends of the ink roller are snap-connected to the color roller body. The color roller body is arranged for relative movement in relation to the printing devices. The ink roller body comprises a one-piece formed, elastically springy finger or pawl which presses the ink roller into cooperative position with the printing devices. The invention also includes

an applicator or applicator by means of which labels or the like can be applied to goods. The applicator contains at least one and preferably a number of wheels. The labels are advanced to the label-adjacent position in relation to the applicator. The wheels are arranged for independent rotation and independent springy yielding movements. More specifically, each wheel is provided with an annular rim or flange that carries a high-efficiency 0-ring. A number of resiliently yielding arms integrally formed with the flange engage a mounting shaft. When a tag is applied, the arms are resiliently lowered to allow the individual wheels to yield independently of each other. This property is particularly useful when applying labels to goods with irregular surfaces.

In a particular embodiment of the label tapes, the notches are arranged in groups which are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tape, each group being generally l-shaped, with a longitudinal or vertical cut or section and a transverse or horizontal cut which is separated from each end of the long sawing cut. A fragile part remains between each end of the longitudinal section and the respective transverse sections. Each such group of cuts is formed in the carrier material and preferably also in the label material. In this embodiment, it is preferred to form a transverse section across the label material through a point midway between the lengths of the longitudinal section in each section group. This results in a cut through each outer end edge of each label, and a cut or cut through the edge is particularly advantageous in preventing shifting or removal of the label when placed on an item. Each resulting tag has a roughly T-shaped cut at each extreme. As a variation of this embodiment, further transverse cuts can be formed in the outer side edges of the tag material, but not in the carrier material, to further prevent the possibility of removing the tags after they have been placed on goods.

In another embodiment of the invention, both the carrier material and the label material are provided with longitudinal, separated sections which are largely l-shaped. In this embodiment, the longitudinal or vertical stitch cut in each group intersects the corresponding, transverse or horizontal stitch cuts, so that a feed hole is provided in the carrier material and two transverse tabs and an essentially T-shaped cut are formed at each outer end of each label. In this embodiment, the label material is preferably cut transversely through the midpoint of each longitudinal cut in each cut group.

In another embodiment of the invention, both the carrier material and the label material are provided with longitudinal, separated cuts, each of which is largely U-shaped. In this embodiment, the vertical cuts in each group are aligned with, but separated from, the horizontal cut.

In two other embodiments, separate groups of incisions or cuts are arranged in both the carrier material and the label material. These section groups are arranged in a multi-sided, geometric configuration. More particularly, in one of these embodiments, each section group forms a largely triangular configuration, and in the other embodiment, each section group is provided with two curvilinear sections that are separated by a thin part.

In another embodiment, the carrier material band is provided with short transverse cuts in each outer side edge. When the belt is in engagement with a toothed drive device, the part of the belt lying between the cuts at each outer side edge of the carrier material belt is bent down by a tooth in the toothed drive device, and the tooth is engaged with a drive surface or edge at a respective cut, so that it becomes possible to feed the composite tape to the label printing and label applying zones.

As a variation of this embodiment, a group of three or more cuts is formed in each outer side edge of the carrier material and preferably also in the label material. This construction is particularly advantageous when the belt is advanced by engagement with a chain wheel or

a small diameter drive wheel. In this case, each tooth in the toothed drive wheel will bend down the tabs at the outer side edges and affect a drive surface in the carrier material that is formed at one edge of a cut. As the band passes partially around the small diameter sprocket, the tabs are bowed outwards at acute angles to each other.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a single short, transverse cut is formed in each outer side edge of the carrier material with certain spaces in the longitudinal direction of the band. It is preferred to separate the transverse cuts which extend over the tag material to form the tags, in a longitudinal direction from the short transverse cuts at each outer side edge of the carrier material band. In this embodiment, the tooth in the toothed drive wheel that engages with the carrier material band will bend down the part of the carrier material that is close to the short cuts in the band, and the teeth will engage in drive surfaces formed by the short transverse cuts, so that the composite tape can be advanced.

The invention also relates to a method for producing and using the aforementioned embodiments of the composite tape, and an apparatus for feeding the composite tape and continuously printing, dispensing and placing the printed labels on goods. The method for dispensing tags comprises providing a number of tags which are releasably attached by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive to a band of carrier material, the band having separate groups of incisions or cuts arranged within the edges of the band, each group of incisions comprising at least two incisions which is separated in the longitudinal direction by a thin part. In the preferred arrangement, one of the cuts in each group provides a feed edge, and another cut and the fragile portion represent the preferred method of weakening. the band near and especially on the downstream side of it

o

respective feed edge. The tape is affected so that it is exposed to a sharp change of direction at a tear-off edge where the labels are successively delaminated in relation to the tape. From there, the delaminated part of the belt is led to a cooperative position with a toothed drive device. The toothed drive device separates the fragile part by means of a feed tooth, and the tooth pulls on the delaminated part of the tape so that the composite tape is advanced to effect delamination of a label.

In another embodiment, the method for issuing tags also includes providing a number of tags that are releasably attached by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive to a band of carrier material, where the band has straight edges with separate cuts on both outer side edges of the band. The carrier material tape is subjected to a sharp change in direction at a delamination zone where the labels are continuously delaminated from the tape. The delaminated part of the belt is fed into a cooperative position with a toothed drive device, which results in bowing of the parts of the outer side edges of the belt

which is close to at least one of the cuts. The teeth of the toothed drive device engage in drive surfaces formed by the cuts, and the

delaminated portions of the tape are drawn along by the advancing toothed drive to effect delamination of a label in the delamination zone.

An apparatus for carrying out the specified procedure has properties that make it effective both as a label-dispensing device and as a label-printing and label-applying device. In accordance with a special embodiment of the label printing and label applying apparatus, a manually deployable operator is arranged which continuously influences the printing head for printing on the ribbon, and then influences the feed mechanism for advancing the ribbon. The tape is a composite tape of pressure-sensitive labels. The composite web is advanced to a printing zone and then to a parting zone. When the operator is released, the label is printed and the printed label is almost completely delaminated from the tape with associated carrier material by a tear-off edge. In this position, the printed label is placed under an applicator and is ready to be applied to an item. The delamination is carried out by pulling the carrier material around the tear-off edge using a toothed drive device. The carrier material belt is provided with groups of notches or cuts which are arranged at regular intervals which delimit a feed edge and provide weakening of the belt on the downstream side of the feed edge. The toothed drive device preferably has a number of teeth which engage with the band and which can form feeding holes in the carrier material. Each time the operator is released, the belt with the carrier material is moved forward a predetermined distance. The drive connection between the operator and the print head preferably comprises drive parts carried by the operator, and two gears that mesh with the operator's drive parts and further

is engaged with drive parts carried by the print head. One of the gears is connected to the feed wheel via a pawl and pawl mechanism and via a detent mechanism. The pawl and pawl wheel mechanism comprises a pawl which is carried by one of the gears and can be brought into engagement with a pawl wheel which is formed in one piece with the locking mechanism's drive wheel. In the event that the belt does not bring the printed labels into exactly the right position in the printing zone, or in relation to the tear-off edge in the delamination zone y^k~ah^ the position of the teeth on the drive wheel is varied in relation to the t^\M<eson and to the delamination zone . This setting is achieved by means of the locking mechanism which can be adjusted manually by turning an adjustment handle in relation to another handle.

The invention shall be described in more detail in the following by means of a number of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, where fig. is a perspective view showing a device by means of which an embodiment of a composite band of labels is advanced, and by means of which labels are continuously printed and placed on goods, fig. 2 is a picture seen from above. the composite tape with tags according to fig. 1, fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the labels according to fig. 1 and 2 as this is placed on an item, fig. 4 is a partial section along the line 4-4 in fig. 2, fig. 5 is a partial section along the line 5-5 in fig. 2, fig. 6 is a view seen from above showing the composite band as it is advanced by a toothed drive wheel with the band of carrier material, fig. 7 is a partial section along the line 7-7 in fig. 6, and fig. 8 is a partial section along the line 8-8 in fig. 6; fig. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the composite band with tags, fig. 10 is a picture seen from above

of a further embodiment of the composite tape with labels, fig. 11 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the composite band with labels, fig. 12 is a partial section along the line 12-12 in fig. 11, fig. 13 is a side view along the line 13-13 in fig. 12 and which shows one side edge of the composite band, fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a device by means of which the composite band according to fig. 11, 12 and 13 are fed forward, and by means of

which labels are continuously printed and placed on goods, fig. 15 is a top view of another embodiment of the composite band with tags, fig. 16 is a side view of the composite belt along the line. 16-16 in fig. 15 and which shows one side edge of the composite band, and fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a device with the help of which the composite band according to fig. 15 and 16 is advanced using a relatively small toothed drive wheel,

and showing how labels are printed and affixed to goods;

fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a device using

from which labels can be printed and affixed to goods using a composite tape in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the composite band according to the embodiments of fig. 1-9 can be produced, fig. 20 is an incomplete side view showing the manner in which the cuts or incisions are formed in the label material and carrier material by means of cutters shown in FIG. 19, fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the composite band according to the embodiments of fig. 11-18 can be carried out, fig. 22 is an incomplete side view showing the manner in which the cuts are made in the label material and carrier material by means of cutters shown in fig. 21, fig. 23 is a partially cut-away view

top view of another embodiment of the composite belt with pressure-sensitive tags, fig..24 is a perspective view showing part of a toothed drive wheel and carrier material in the composite belt according to fig. 23, and fig. 25 is a partially cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of the pressure sensitive label composite tape; fig. 26 is a partially cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of the composite tape with pressure sensitive labels, FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing part of a toothed drive wheel and carrier material in the composite band according to fig.

26, fig. 28 is a partially cutaway top view of another embodiment of the composite tape with pressure sensitive labels, FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing part of a toothed drive wheel and carrier material in the composite band according to fig. 28, fig.

30 is a partially cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of the pressure sensitive label composite tape, FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing part of a toothed drive wheel and carrier material in the composite belt according to fig. 30, fig. 32 is a partially sectional top view of eo. another embodiment of the composite band with pressure-sensitive labels, where the embodiment is of the same type as the embodiments according to fig. 1-9, but has an additional group of cuts which are formed midway between the end edges of the labels, fig. 33 is a partially cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of the composite tape with pressure sensitive labels, FIG. 34 is a partially cross-sectional top view of another embodiment of the composite tape of pressure-sensitive labels where the cuts extend only partially through the label material, FIG. 35 is a partial section along the line 35-35 in fig. 34, and fig. 36 is a sectional view similar to that in fig. 35, but showing perforation cuts which at separate places pass transversely through the tag material; fig. 37 is an expanded perspective view of a label printing and labeling device for carrying out the method according to the invention, fig. 38 is a partially cut side view of the apparatus according to fig. 37, fig. 39 is a sectional view along the line 39-39 in fig. 38, fig. 40 is a sectional view along the line 40-40 in fig. 38, fig. 41 is a sectional view along the line 41-41 in fig. 38, fig. 42 is a side view of one of the subframe parts of the apparatus, fig. 43 is a picture seen from above along the line 43-43

on fig. 42, fig. 44 is a side view of another subframe part, FIG.

45 is a top view showing the manner in which the label core for the label roll is retained, and the manner in which braking force is applied to the subframe members, FIG. 46 is a sectional view along the line 46-46 in fig. 45, and fig. 47 is a sectional view along the line 47-47 in fig. 38; fig. 48 is an exploded perspective view of the color roller mechanism, fig. 49 is an enlarged view showing an incomplete portion of the apparatus in full drawn lines, and particularly showing an incomplete portion of the print head and color roller mechanism in positions both fully drawn and shown in dashed lines, fig. 50 is a sectional view along the line 50-50 in fig. 39, fig. 51

is an unfolded view showing the arrangement of teeth in the locking mechanism, fig. 52 is a sectional view along the line 52-52 in fig. 50, fig.

53 is a sectional view along the line 53-53 in fig. 50, and fig. 54 is a sectional view showing one of the three sets of snap-fit connections used to connect the frame and subframe; fig. 55 is an enlarged view of the application or applicator roller shown mounted in the frame of the apparatus, FIG. 56 is a sectional view along the line 56-56

on fig. 55, fig. 57 is a sectional view along the line 57-57 in fig..56,

but where the shaft and the friction part are sloyfet, fig. 58 is a partially cross-sectional view of the mounting shaft which forms part of the applicator roller, fig. 59 is an expanded perspective view of the printhead, fig. 60 is a sectional view of the print head along the line 60-60 in fig. 38, fig. 61 is a partially cut-through view showing the selector in relation to the associated driven wheels, fig. 62 is an enlarged sectional view showing the manner in which the locking of the selector is effected, but showing the driven parts of different widths, and fig. 63

is an image similar to an incomplete portion of FIG. 61, but showing the manner in which the blocking may be effected directly on a wheel;

fig. 64 is an enlarged, partially sectional side view showing an alternative arrangement for construction of the selector, FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing the driven part shown in FIG. 64, fig. 66 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a modified print head in accordance with the invention, and which is adapted to print and apply labels of the types shown in fig.

32 or 33, fig. 67 is an expanded perspective image of the voter

in connection with the type wheels and the mounting structure for the type wheels, fig. 68 is an end view of the type wheels and selector mounted in the mounting part, and fig. 69 is a sectional view along the line 69-69 in fig. 68.

In the embodiments in fig. 1-8, and especially on fig. 2, '3 and

4, a composite band 30 of label material 31 is shown which is releasably adhered to and supported by a bearing or supporting material 32. The label material 31 is cut across transverse

cut or incision 33 extending across the band 31 of label material to the side edges 34 and 35 of the composite band 30, as best shown in fig. 2 and 4. The cuts or incisions 33, which are called "butt cuts", separate the band 31 of tag material into a number of adjacent tags 36. The side edges of both the tag material and the carrier material are straight, and the tag material and the carrier material have the same extent.

The underside of the band 31 of label material has a coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive 37 which adheres strongly to the band 31 of label material. The adhesive is shown to extend across the entire underside of the label material just to the side edges 34

and 35 of the tape 30. The tape 32 of carrier material carries a thin film or coating (not shown) which allows the labels to be torn off or peeled from the tape 32 of carrier material.

The groups 38 of cuts or cuts are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the composite band 30. Each cut group 38 is shown to extend through both the carrier material and the label material. As shown, each group 38 of cuts is largely l-shaped and consists of a straight, longitudinal or vertical seam cut 39S in the carrier material, and an aligned, straight, longitudinal or vertical seam cut 39L in the label material. Separated from the one ends of. the vertical cuts or cuts 39S and 39L are straight, transverse or horizontal cuts 405 in the carrier material and 40L in the label material. Separated from the other ends of the vertical cuts 39S and 39L are aligned, straight, transverse or horizontal cuts 415 in the carrier material and straight, transverse or horizontal cuts 41L in the label material. The part of the band 32 that lies between one end of the cut 39S and the cut 405 forms a cut part 435, and the part of the band 32 that lies between the other end of the cut 395 and the cut 415 forms a cut part 42S. In a similar way, the part of the label material which lies between one end of the cut 39L and the cut 40L forms a cut part 43L, and the part which lies between the other end of the cut 39L and the cut 41L, forms a cut part 42L. As a variation of the shown cut group 38, the cuts 40L and 405 could be sloyed, in which case the cut 39S would be elongated by tearing when the tooth 48 engages the band 32 at the cut 395. This would result in cut groups each having substantially T -shaped configuration as shown in fig. 25.

In fig. 1, the composite band 30 is shown to be in the form of a roll which, if desired, can be wound on a core 44. The core 44 can accommodate a shaft 45 about which the roll can freely rotate in the direction of an arrow 46. The roll is wound on such way that the label material lies on the outside in an overlying connection with the band 32 of the carrier material.

A toothed drive wheel shown generally at 47 is shown to be in the form of a driven sprocket with teeth 48 arranged in a plane at constant angular spacing locations along the drive wheel 47 circumference. The drive wheel 47 is used for feeding the composite band to a printing zone where a printing press 48' and a printing table or printing roller 49 are arranged. A relatively sharp tear-off edge 50 is schematically shown arranged at the end edge of the printing table. The carrier material band 32 is pulled around the tear-off edge 50 by means of the toothed drive wheel 47. The edge 50 causes the carrier material 32 to be exposed to a sudden change of direction, whereby delamination or peeling of the carrier material 32 is achieved from one tag 36 at a time when the band with carrier material is simultaneously advanced by the toothed drive wheel 47.

An applicator or applicator 51 is placed outside the tear-off or peeling edge 50 on the same side of the label as the printer 48'. The applicator or applicator 51 is shown in the form of a conventional applicator roller, but if desired, other types of applicators can be used, such as a pressure stamp, a presser foot or paw or the like. The composite belt 30 approaches the pressure and application zones generally in the direction of an arrow 52, and after passing around the peel edge 50, the carrier material belt 32 is fed forward in the direction of an arrow 53 and partially passes around a guide roller or shaft 54. From the guide roller 54, the belt 32 passes partly around the toothed drive wheel 47. From the drive wheel, the belt 32 passes partly around a guide roller or shaft 55, and from there the belt 32 is guided by means of bushings in the direction of an arrow 56. The toothed drive wheel 47 is driven in stages by means of a pawl and pawl wheel mechanism, so that the composite band 30 is advanced by the action of this mechanism a suitable distance, so that the labels can be pressed in one or more steps, and so that a label is brought to the application zone where the applicator

.51 carries out placement of the delivered label on an item M.

The belt 32 passes between the outer surface of the toothed drive wheel 47 and a guide or holding plate 57 as shown in fig. 1, 6, 7 and 8. As the drive wheel 47 rotates, successive teeth will engage successive cut groups in the band 32. When a tooth engages the band 32 at a longitudinal cut 395, the fragile portions 425 and 435 are separated by tearing, so that a feed hole 5B is formed. The food thus formed

hole 58 accommodates the tooth 48 and bows out tabs 59 and 59'.

5 if best shown in fig. 7, the liner 57 has a concave part 60 with a groove 61 in the same plane as the teeth 48. As shown, the transversely extending tabs 59 and 59' will be lined into the groove 61 when the tooth 48 is in the feed hole 58. As best shown on fig. 6 and 7, each tooth 48 ends in a pointed end 62 which serves to facilitate the separation of the fragile parts 42S and 435. The liner 57 has flanges 63 and 64 which are in leading engagement with the edges 65 and 66 of the belt 32. The distance between the teeth 48 along the periphery of the drive wheel 47 is the same as the distance between the cut groups 38 along the compound belt 30. The teeth 48 are identical and only one is shown in detail in the side view of fig.

8. In fig. 8, the tooth 48 is shown to have involute surfaces 67 and 68 which enable the tooth to easily form a feed hole 58 in the belt 32 which has passed partly around the guide rollers 54, and to easily move out of the feed hole just before the belt 32 passes partly around the roller 55 As shown in fig. 8, the surface 67 of the tooth 48 is shown to be in driving engagement with the front edge 69 of the feed hole 5B. The surface 68 of the tooth 48 is shown to be somewhat separated from the rear edge 70 of the feed hole. The cut groups 38 do not significantly affect the integrity of the belt 32 because the feed holes are formed by the teeth of the drive wheel 47 or the like. There are flaps or flaps such as in the previously known devices which result in weakening of the band 32 at the delamination zone where the strength of the band is particularly important. There are also no tabs that could result in possible interference with the tape's feed. The types of cuts that form the group 38 also make it possible for the composite band 30 to be fed in one or the other direction with the same force. According to the solution shown in U.S. Patent 3,501,365, the composite strip can be fed in only one direction at . application of the cut edge. The invention is not limited to the provision of a cut group 38 across the outer ends of each tag. Although this is the preferred embodiment, the cut groups 38 may extend across the outer edge of every other tag, or the cut groups 38 may be arranged within the circumference of each tag or every other tag if desired.

The embodiment of the composite band 30A shown in fig. 9, is identical to the embodiment of the composite band 30 and is used in the same way, except that the composite band 30A has at least one short, straight transverse section 80 in each outer edge of each tag 36a. However, there are no cuts or incisions in the outer edge of the band 32a of carrier material. The cuts 80 further serve to prevent removal of the labels 36a when they are first placed on an item.

This embodiment of the composite band 30B shown in FIG. 10, is identical to the embodiment of the composite band 30A, except that individual cuts in each group of longitudinally spaced cut groups 38b intersect. As shown, the composite band 30B consists of a band 31b of label material and a band 32b of carrier material. The strip 32b of carrier material has longitudinal or vertical seam cuts or cuts 90S which extend to transverse or horizontal cuts 915 and 92S. The cuts 905, 915 and 925 define transversely extending tabs or flaps 93 and 94. The composite strip 30B can be delaminated and advanced by means of the same apparatus shown in fig. 1 and 6-8. Slots 915 and 925 provide feed holes into which the teeth 48 of the toothed drive wheel 47 can be fed as the drive wheel rotates.

A longitudinal or vertical line cut or incision

90L is formed in the label material at the same time as the cut 90S is made, and these cuts are therefore in line with each other. Cuts 91L and 92L are formed in the label material at the same time as cuts 915 and 925 are made, and cuts 91L and 92L are therefore aligned with the respective cuts 915 and 925. Cuts 90L, 91L and 92L in the label material form a large set of T-shaped cuts or cuts at each outer edge of each label 36B, and therefore tend to prevent removal of the labels when these are first placed on goods.

In fig. 11-14 shows a composite band 30C consisting of a band of label material 31c. Equally spaced transverse cuts extend across the band 31c of tag material to form tags 36c. Mutually separated, short cross cuts 100S are formed in both outer side edges of the band 32c of carrier material. Similar short, straight transverse cuts 100L which lie in line with respective cuts 1005, are arranged in each outer side edge of the label material 31c. Each cut 1005 in the carrier material and the associated cut 100L in the label material are preferably formed at the same time with the same cutting blade. In fig. 14, a toothed drive wheel 47c is shown which is rotating and in drive engagement with the belt 32c of carrier material, to effect feeding of the composite belt 30C. When the teeth 48c engage the band 32c, they cause deflection of the tabs 101 made possible by the two adjacent cuts 100S, a cut 1005 in each pair of cuts providing a driving surface 102 at the point where the leading edge of the respective tooth 48c is brought in engagement with the incision.

In fig. 15, 16 and 17 show a composite band 3DD which is identical to the composite band 30C in the embodiment according to fig. 11-14, except that both the label material 31d and the band 32d of carrier material are provided with a group of at least three separate cuts instead of two separate cuts. As shown, groups of transverse sections 11 OS with the same mutual distance are formed in the band 32d of carrier material. Short transverse cuts 110L are arranged in each outer side edge of the band 31d of label material, and these cuts lie in line with respective cuts 110S in the band 32d of carrier material. Each cut 110S in the carrier material and the corresponding cut 11 DL in the label material are preferably formed at the same time with the same cutting blade. In fig. 17 shows a toothed drive wheel 47d which has a substantially smaller diameter than the toothed drive wheel 47c in fig. 14. The composite band 30D is preferably extended with at least three cuts, as the toothed drive wheel 47d has a smaller diameter, and as it is easier to bend out the flaps 111 that are formed at the cuts 110L when the band 32d passes around the toothed drive wheel 47d. Adjacent tabs 111 in a tab group extend outward and form an acute angle with each other. The tags are shown at 36d.

In fig. 18 shows a composite band 30E' with a band of label material 31e' and a band 32e' of carrier material. The belt 32e' is acted upon by a toothed drive wheel 47e' with triangular teeth 48e'. Transverse section 33e' extends across the band 31E! of equally spaced tag material to form tags 36e'. Mutually separated, short, transverse cuts 1205 are formed in both outer side edges of the band 32e'. Short, transverse incisions 120L are formed in each outer side edge of the label material 32e', and these incisions lie in line with respective incisions 1205 in the band 32e'. Each cut 12QS in the carrier material and the corresponding cut 120L in the label material are preferably produced at the same time with the same cutting blade. The toothed drive wheel 47e' shown can rotate in driving engagement with

the band 32e' of carrier material to effect feeding of the composite band 30E'. The teeth 48e' cause deflection of tabs 112

and engages drive surfaces 113 at one side of each section 1205.

In fig. 19 and 20 show a wide composite band 30AW, e.g. for producing the composite band 30A. The belt 30AW is fed forward in the direction of an arrow A. The composite belt 30AW consists of label material 31a conductively attached to a belt 32a of carrier material which passes between a cutting roll 130 with a number of knives 131 and a cooperating support roll 132. The knives 131 move at the same linear speed as the speed of the belt 30AW and serves to cut through the belt 31a of label material across the entire width to form the cuts 33. A cutting roller 133 and a backing roller 134 are arranged behind the cutting roller 131 and the backing roller 132. When the assembled belt 30AW passing between the cutting roller 133 and the support roller 134, blade or blades 135, 136 and 137 form transverse cuts 80 only in the band 31a of label material. Next, two printed lines P are printed on the web 31AW by means of a printing drum 138 and a cooperating printing roller 139. From there, the composite web 30AW passes between a cutting roller 140 and a cooperating support roller 141. The cutting roller 140 has separate groups 38K of cutting blades or knives . Each group 38K of cutting knives consists of a longitudinal knife 39K for cutting a longitudinal or vertical section, as well as two knives 40K and 41K for cutting transverse or horizontal sections. Each group 38K of blades forms a group 38A

of section in the composite band 30A. __As best shown in fig. 20, the knives 39K, 40K and 41K cooperate with the support roller 141 with zero clearance. Accordingly, each of the knives 39K, 40K, and 41K cuts transversely through the band 31a and the band 32a, while the knives 131 and 135, 136 and 137 on the respective cutting rollers 13□ and 133 cut transversely through the label material 31a, but not into the band 32a.

After passing between the cutting roller 140 and the support roller 141, the composite strip 30AW is slit or cut into a number of composite strips 30A by cooperating cutting elements 142 and 143. Each composite strip 30A can now be formed into rolls.

In fig. 21 and 22 a composite belt 30DW is shown traveling in the direction of an arrow A1. The strip 30DW passes between a cutting roller 150 and a support roller 151. The cutting roller has mutually spaced cutting blades or knives 152 for forming cuts 33d with the same mutual space along the length of the strip 30DW. At a distance behind the cutting roller 150 and the support roller 151, a cutting roller 153 is arranged

and a cooperating support roller 154. The cutting roller 153 is provided with groups of knives 110K for producing cuts 110L in the label material, and for simultaneously producing cuts 1105 in the carrier material.

At a distance behind the cutting roller 153 and the support roller 154 are arranged cooperating cutting elements 155 and 156 which cut across the strip 30DW

to a number of composite bands 30D and these composite bands 30D can now be formed into rolls. As can be seen from fig. 22, cutting cutting-

the blade 152 only through the label material 31d and not into the band 32d of carrier material. The cutting blades or knives 110K are, however, set with zero clearance in relation to the support roller 134, so that each cut 1105 and the corresponding cut 110L are formed simultaneously with the help of the relevant knife 110K.

In fig. 23 and fig. 24 shows a composite band 30E which is identical to the composite band 30A in fig. 9, except that the composite band 30E has a group 38e of sections which are shown to be arranged in a general T shape. The section group 38E is shown to be composed of a straight, longitudinal or vertical section 1605 in the carrier material 161 and an aligned, straight, longitudinal or vertical section 160L in the tag material 162. At a distance from one end of the longitudinal sections 1605 and 160L are arranged horizontal or transverse sections 1635 in the carrier material 161 and section 163L in the tag material 162. The part of the carrier material 161 that lies between one end of the cut 1605 and the cut 1635 forms a thin part 1645, and the part of the tag material 162 that lies between one end of the cut 160L and the cut 1'6'3L, form a skirt part 164L. The label material 162 is provided with transverse cuts 33e which extend across the entire band 162 of label material as shown in fig. 23. The cuts 33e divide the label material 162 into labels 36e. The composite band 30E is different from the embodiment according to fig. 9 in such a way that it has two short, straight, transverse cuts 165 in each outer edge of the labels 36e. However, there are no cuts in the outer edge of the carrier material 161. The cuts 165 serve to prevent removal of the labels 36e when they are placed on goods.

Fig. 24 shows an incomplete part of a toothed drive wheel 47e with a tooth 166 which is generally triangular in shape, but which has a drive surface 167 which is curved in the same way as the drive surface 67 of the drive wheel 47. When a tooth 166 is lined into engagement with the carrier material 161, it will cause tearing of the fragile part 164S, and the tooth 166 will cause triangular tabs 1685 to form as best shown in fig. 24. In this figure, one tooth 166 is shown to be in driving engagement with the band of carrier material 161, and the other tooth 166 is shown to be out of engagement with the carrier material 161.

The embodiment in fig. 25 is similar to the embodiment in fig. 23 in that it provides a generally T-shaped cut group 38f, except that in the composite band 30F, longitudinal or vertical cuts 1695 in the carrier material 170 are in contact with transverse or horizontal cuts 1715. In the label material 173 there are longitudinal or vertical cuts 169L and transverse or horizontal cuts 171L which are aligned with respective cuts in the support material. Transverse section 33f separates the label material 173 into labels 36f. The composite band 30F has short, straight, transverse incisions 174 in each outer side edge of the labels 36f. However, there are no cuts in the outer side edges of the carrier material 170. The composite belt 30F can be fed forward by means of the toothed drive wheel 47e which is shown in fig. 24.

Although in fig. 10 and 25 shown arrangement of cuts reduces the wholeness or integrity of the band of carrier material, this construction is essentially completely without the disadvantage of holding, of a flap or flap out of the plane of the band during delamination, as is the case with the device according to U.5. -patent 3,501,365. Such unfolding of a tab or flap causes some adhesive to adhere to the edges of the tab to be pulled away from the label material during delamination. Moreover, such an unfolded tab or flap will transfer the adhesive to conductive and remote-feeding surfaces of the apparatus, and such an unfolded tab can cause feed disruption when pulling the web of carrier material by means of a toothed drive wheel.

In fig. 26, a composite band 30G is shown. In this case, each cut group 3Bg is shown to be U-shaped, and consists of transversely separated, longitudinal cuts 1755 and a transverse cut 1765 in the band of carrier material 177. The cuts 175S are separated from and are aligned with the ends of the cut 1765. The part of the carrier material 177 which lies between the ends, of the cuts 1755 and the cut 1765, constitutes a fragile part 1785. The label material 179 is provided with transversely separated cuts 175L and a transverse cut 176L. The horizontal cuts 175L are separated from the ends of the transverse cut 176L to provide a shear portion 178L. The label material 179 is provided with transverse cuts 33g for providing the labels 36g. The composite band 30G has short, straight, transverse cuts.180 in each outer side edge of the labels 36g. However, there are no cuts in the outer side edges of the carrier material 177. It is preferred to use the composite belt 30G together with the drive wheel 47 which has teeth 48 which are shaped as best shown in fig. 7 and 8, instead of having teeth 166 of triangular shape as shown in FIG. 24.

In fig. 28 shows an embodiment of a composite band 30H which has section groups 38h with the same mutual distance. Each cut group 38h has a short, transverse cut 1815 and two converging cuts 1825 in the band of carrier material 183. The front edges of the cuts 1825 lie transversely in line with the transverse cut 1815. The one cut 1B2S is separated from one end of the cut 1815 to form a fold line 1835. The second cut 1825 is separated from the other end of the transverse cut 1815 to form a fold line 1B45. The other ends of the cuts 1825 are separated from each other to provide a shear part 1855. Cuts 181L and 182L are arranged in the band of the label material 186, which cuts are aligned with respective cuts 1815 and 182S in the carrier material 1B3. The cuts 181L, 182L and the short, straight, transverse cuts 187 serve to prevent removal of the tags when they are placed on goods. In the embodiment in fig. 28, it is preferred that each cut group 38h is arranged between the end edges of the labels 36h which are delimited by transverse cuts 33h. In fig. 29 shows a toothed drive wheel 47e with a tooth 166 that has broken through the fragile part 1855 in the carrier material 183, the drive wheel being engaged with the carrier material 183. It is obvious that the tab 1885 is bent along each cut_181S and the respective folding lines 183S and 184S to ensure breakthrough of the fragile part 185S

is the length of the fragile part 1855 approx. half as long as the fold lines 1835 and 1845. The fold lines 183S and 184S and the cut 1815 have the same length.

In fig. 30 shows a composite band 30K which is provided with cut groups 38k. Each cut group 38k contains curvilinear cuts 1975 in a. strip of carrier material 198. The one ends of the sections 1975 are separated from each other by a relatively significant distance across the composite strip 30K. The other ends of the cuts 1975 are separated from each other by only a relatively small distance by a shear part 1985. The cut groups 38k also contain curvilinear cuts 19TL in the band of label material 199. The cuts 197L are aligned with the cuts 1975 in the carrier material 198. Transverse cuts 33k in the tag material 199 delimits the ends of the tags 36k. Cuts 197L and cut 200 in the tag material 199 serve to prevent removal

of the labels when they are first placed on goods.

In fig. 31 shows a toothed drive wheel 47e which is in driving connection with the band of carrier material 198. One of the wheel's teeth 166 is shown to have broken through the fragile part 1985 and to be in driving engagement with the carrier material 198.

In fig. 32 shows an embodiment of a composite band 30L which is identical to the embodiment in fig. 9, except that the composite band 30L is shown to have an additional cut group 381 between the outer end edges of the tags 361 formed by transverse cuts 331. Also, each tag 361 is shown to have two short, transverse cuts 201 at each outer side edge .

In fig. 33 shows a composite band 30M of labels which is identical to the composite band shown in fig. 23, except that a further cut group 38m is arranged between the end edges of the labels which are formed by transverse cuts 33m.

In fig. 34 shows another embodiment of the composite band 30N which is identical to the composite band 30 in fig. 2, except that the cut groups 38n extend only partially through the label material 202 as best shown in fig. 35. It also appears

of fig. 35 that the cut groups 38n extend transversely through the carrier material 203. Although the construction according to fig. 34 and 35 significantly weakens the label material so that the labels 36n become more difficult to remove when they are first placed on goods, they are less effective in this regard than what is the case with, for example, the embodiment according to fig. 9. Fig. 36 is a similar section as in fig. 35, but shows that the longitudinal section is made partially through the tag material 204 by perforation instead of completely cutting through the tag material as in the designs according to fig. 1-9, or in contrast to the partial cutting through of the label material 202 as shown in fig. 34 and 35. In the embodiment in fig. 36, the composite band 30P is thus provided with a cut group 3BP which goes transversely through the carrier material 205 and through the label material 204 in separate places, so that pliers or fields 206 or the like are left between the continuous cuts 207.

It is within the scope of the invention to make the cuts 33, 39L, 395, 40L,;40S, 41L, 415, 90L, 90S, 91L, 915, 92L, 925, 33c, 100L, 1005, 110L, 110S, 33e\ 120L, 120S . by means of grooving, perforation or the like, instead of completely cutting through the relevant label or carrier material. However, it is preferred that each of the cuts which are to limit a feed edge be made as a continuous cut instead of as a groove or perforation cut.

In the following, an embodiment of a label printing and label applying device according to the invention will be described with reference to fig. 37-62, As shown in fig. 37, the apparatus 210 comprises a casing or a main frame which is generally shown at 211. The casing or frame 211 is particularly shown to contain two frame parts 212 and 213. In the frame 211 is arranged a sub-frame which is generally shown at 214 and which comprises two sub-frame parts 215 and 216. The frame members 212 and 213 carry a printing plate 217 containing a peel edge 218. A printing head generally shown at 219 is mounted in the subframe 214. More particularly, the printing head 219 contains

a number of selectable, adjustable printing parts 220 in the form of endless printing belts which are mounted in a printing head frame 221. Two flanges 222

and 223 hang down from the frame 221. Drive parts or particularly racks 224 and 225 are provided at the ends of the respective flanges 222 and 223. Opposing grooves 226 and 227 are formed on the respective flanges 222 and 223 to receive rectilinear ball bearings 228 and 229. The subframe parts 215 and 216 have respective grooves 230 and 231. The ball bearing 228 is received in the groove 226 in the flange 222 and in the groove 230, and the ball bearing 229 is received in the flange 223's groove 227 and in the groove 231. The ball bearings 228 and 229 contain respective balls 228'.ag 229' which are rotatably held in place by respective pliers or holders 228" and 229". The printing head 219 is mounted in this way for movement, particularly reciprocating movement, towards and away from the printing plate 217.

0

The cap 211 has a handle shown generally at 232, and each cap or frame part 212 and 213 in particular has a respective handle part 233 and 234. An operator shown generally at 235 is shown to consist of a rotatably actuated arm 236 which is mounted pivotably about a pin 237 at the right end of the handle 232. The arm 236 is normally pressed in a clockwise direction (fig. 37) by means of a torsion spring 238 which is supported on the pin 237. The swing movement of the arm 236 is limited by a adjustable locking block or a buffer 239 which is occupied by the handle 232 between the handle parts 233 and 234.

The upper end of the maneuvering arm 235 carries two separate drive parts or toothed parts 240 and 241. The drive parts 240 and 241 are shown to be in the form of cylindrical or straight toothed segments. The drive parts 240 and 241 engage with respective cylindrical gears 242 and 243. The cylindrical gears 242 and 243 engage with respective racks 224 and 225 which are carried by the printing head 219.

A roll of pressure-sensitive labels, for example in the form of the composite band 30 according to fig. 2, is mounted at its core 44 in the subframe 214. As will be described in more detail later, the composite belt 30 is pulled by the roller to an overlying connection with the pressure plate 217, and the carrier material 32 is acted upon by a toothed drive wheel 244. The toothed wheel 243 carries a one-piece with the wheel formed pawl 245 which cooperates with a pawl wheel 246 which in turn is connected to the drive wheel 244 by a holding or locking mechanism which is generally shown at 247. A drive part 248 in the locking mechanism 247 is shown in fig. 37. The toothed drive wheel 244 has a number of drive teeth 249 which are arranged at equal intervals around the outer circumference of the wheel. The pawl 245 is united in one piece with the gear wheel 243. except at one end. The pawl 245 is flexible and springy and can ride on the pawl wheel 246 and be buoyed into engagement with a tooth 265

on the pawl wheel 246.

The casing or frame part 213 has an access opening 250.

A cover 251 is releasably connected to the frame part 213 at the access opening 250. The cover 251 carries an inking roller mechanism 252 which cooperates with the printing parts 220 in the printing head 219. The cover parts 212 and 213 carry an applicator 253 which is placed on the downstream side of the peeling edge 218.

In fig. 38, the interconnection between the components of the apparatus 210 is shown in detail. The composite strip 30 is delivered by the roll and passes through a passage provided by the subframe parts 215 qg 216, and in particular in the form of a groove 254 (Fig. 44) in the subframe part 215 and a cooperating groove 255 (Figs. 37; 38 and 42) in the sub-frame part 216. From there, the composite band 30 is led partially around a roller 256 to an overlying connection with the printing plate 217. Delamination is carried out at the peeling edge 218 which is formed at one end of the printing plate 217. The carrier material 32 is pulled around the peeling edge 218 under the printing plate 217 and is partially fed around a roller 257 under a liner 258 and between the toothed drive wheel 244 and the adapted punch wheel 259. When a tooth 249 moves into a corresponding cooperating position with the punch wheel 259, the tooth 249 is brought into engagement with the carrier material 32 at the longitudinal cut 395 and causes tearing or breaking of the fragile parts 425 and 435, after which the tooth 249 cooperating with the punch wheel 259 (Fig. 53), forms is a feed hole in the carrier material 242. It is preferred that there are three teeth 249 which are in driving engagement with the carrier material 32 at any time. The subframe parts 215 and 216 have respective separating devices 260 and 261 which facilitate the separation of the teeth 249 from the carrier material 32 when the drive wheel 244 rotates. Opposite guide grooves 262 and 263, which are formed in the subframe parts 215 and 216, guide the carrier material 32 towards one exit opening 264. Excess carrier material hanging down from the apparatus 210 can be easily torn off at the exit opening 264.

In fig. 38, the print head 219 is shown with solid lines in the initial position, and with solid lines 219' in the printing zone in cooperation with a label 36 and the printing plate 217. The operator 235 is shown with solid lines in its initial position and with solid lines 235 ' in the fully affected position. In the fully affected position, the printing head 219 has been moved to a cooperative printing position with the label 36 and the printing plate 217, and the operator 235 rests against the buffer 239. In this position of the operator 235, the elastically springy pawl 245 (Fig. 50) as at one end is united in one piece with the gear wheel 243, moved to the position shown by dashed lines 245' in driving cooperation with a tooth 265 on the ratchet wheel 246. When the user releases the operator 235, the spring 238 (Fig. 38) guides the operator 235 back against a latch 239' to the position shown by solid lines in fig. 38. While the operator 235 is fed back to the starting position from the fully affected position shown by dashed lines 235', the drive parts 240 and 241 (Figs. 38 and 39) turn the gears 242 and 243 clockwise (Fig. 38) so that the printing head 219 is returned to the starting position from the position shown by dashed lines 219', and so that the pawl 245 is driven from the position shown by dashed lines 245' to the position shown by solid lines in fig. 50. The pawl 245, which is engaged with a tooth 265, thus drives the pawl wheel 246 clockwise (fig. 50). This counter-clockwise rotation of the pawl wheel 246 causes the drive wheel 244 to feed forward the carrier material 32 so as to cause a largely complete delamination of a label at the peel edge 218. The counter-clockwise rotation of the pawl wheel 246 continues until a pawl 266 (Figs. 37, 42 and 50 ) in the form of an elastically springy attachment to the subframe part 216, is moved into engagement with a tooth 265 on the pawl wheel. In this way, the belt with carrier material 32 is prevented from moving randomly in the return direction.

5 if best shown in fig. 39, the drive wheel 244 has an annular flange 267 which is joined to a hub 26'8 by a radial step 269. The hub 268 has a hub portion 268' extending in one direction, and another hub portion 268'' extending in the opposite direction The hub portion 268' ends in a handle 270, and the hub portion 268' ends in a handle 270'. The gear wheel 242 is rotatably supported on and in relation to the hub part 268'. The gear 242 has a hub or flange 271 which is rotatably supported

in an opening 272 in the frame part 212. The hub part 268' extends through an enlarged opening 273 in the subframe part 215. The hub part 268" provides a stepped pair of bearing surfaces 274. The pawl wheel 246 is formed in one piece with the drive part 248 of the locking mechanism 247. The pawl wheel 246 and the drive part 248 has a hub 276 with a stepped hole 275 into which the hub part 268" goes. The gear wheel 243 is rotatably supported on a hub 276 and has a hub 277 which is supported in a bearing 278 which is formed in one piece with the casing part 213. As shown in fig. 39, the gears 242 and 243 are in driving engagement with respective drive parts 224 and 225 which are carried by the printing head 219. The relative position of the pawl 2.45 in relation to the pawl wheel 246 is also shown.

As shown in fig. 50, the drive part 248 comprises a number of spring fingers or detents 278. The detents 278 have the same length, are flexible and springy, and are continuously pressed against teeth 279 which are formed on the inside of the annular flange 267. In the embodiment shown there are one hundred and seventy-seven teeth 279 with the same mutual distance. There are twelve locking hooks 278 which are formed in one piece with the hub 276 with the same mutual distance. The teeth 279 comprise respective tooth surfaces 280 and a recess between adjacent tooth surfaces 280 in which the end of a locking hook 278 can be accommodated. The detents 278 drive the feed wheel 244 in a driving direction (counter-clockwise in Fig. 50), but can also be moved in a non-driving direction (clockwise in Fig.

50) relative to the feed wheel 244 by manual action of the detent mechanism 247. Consequently, every fifth detent 278 is in engagement with the surface 280 of a tooth 279. The detents 278 between every fifth detent are out of engagement with their respective tooth surfaces 280 at different intervals as best shown in fig. 51. Normally, the ratchets 278 hold the pawl wheel 246 and the feed wheel or drive wheel 244 in a fixed connection relative to each other. It appears from fig. 50 that when the drive pawl 245 moves anti-clockwise, the pawl wheel 246 is driven anti-clockwise and the three detents 278 which are in driving engagement with their respective tooth surfaces 280, will drive the feed wheel 244 anti-clockwise. Consequently, there is no relative rotation between the pawl wheel 246 and the feed wheel 244. If it were desired to change the position to which the labels are advanced by means of the feed wheel 244 by the influence of the operator 235, the operator can grasp the handles or the knobs 270 and 270' and turn the knob 270 ' in an anti-clockwise direction (Fig. 37) in relation to the knob 270. This will cause the drive part 248 to turn (counter-clockwise in Fig. 37, with the clockwise in Fig. 50) in relation to the feed wheel 244, so that the next three successive teeth move into engagement with the next three respective tooth surfaces 280. If, for example, assuming that the first, fifth and ninth detents were originally engaged with respective teeth 279, only a very slight rotation would cause the second, sixth and tenth detents to move into engagement with their respective tooth surfaces 280 etc. Although it may be used an arbitrary desired number of detents 278 and teeth 280, the embodiment shown provides very accurate positioning of the feed wheel 244 in relation to the pressure plate 2.17 and the peeling edge 218, and the arrangement of teeth 280 and cooperating detents 278 causes the entire drive part 248 to be centered in the annular flange 267. With regard to the printing function, the setting of the locking mechanism 247 changes the position in relation to the printing zone between the printing head 219 and the printing plate 217 to which a label 36 is advanced. With respect to the delamination function, the action of the locking mechanism 247 also changes the position to which the tag 36 is advanced. It is therefore obvious that the locking mechanism 247 is effective both for determining the position to which a label is advanced in relation to the printing zone and in relation to the delamination zone. It is important that precisely the right part of the rear, outer end edge of the label remains glued to the peeling edge, so that the label 36 is maintained in this position until it is ready to be placed on an item using the applicator 253.

As best shown in fig. 50. rings 282 of rubber which are received at separate locations around the circumference of the roller 281. The 0-rings lie on either side of the teeth 249 and are just sufficiently spaced to act as a punch wheel with the matching teeth 249. When a tooth 249 begins to engage the band of carrier material 32 at the cut 39S (Fig. 2 ), the punch wheel 259 cooperates with the tooth 249 so that the carrier material 32 is held on each side of the cut group 38 in intimate contact with the outer surface of the feed wheel 244 as best shown in fig.

53. This ensures that the teeth 249 correctly break through or form a hole in the carrier material 32, as this is made easier by means of the cut group 38, and that the drive surface of the tooth 249 is in driving engagement with the front cut 415. When the first tooth 249 comes flush with the cut group 38 in the carrier material 32, the composite band 30 is correctly aligned in relation to the pressure zone and the delamination zone. Once this setting is achieved as a result of the tooth 249 cooperating with the punch roll 259, the correct setting will persist.

The pressure plate 217 and the peeling edge 218 (Figs. 37, 38 and 39) are formed by an inverted Boyd plate with two side-by-side plate parts 283 and 284 which are united by an omboided part 285. The omboided part 285 has a small radius and delimits the peeling edge 218. The plate parts 283 and 284 have the same extent and are attached to each other by means of welding connections 286. The plate which forms the pressure plate 217 and the peeling edge 218, and which is occupied by grooves 286' in the subframe parts 215 and 216, is preferably made of high- polished stainless steel. The sides of the plate which form the pressure plate 217 and the peeling edge 21B are, as mentioned, occupied in opposing grooves 286' in the subframe parts 215 and 216. A label stopper is provided by means of two aligned plates 218' which are formed in one piece with the subframe parts 215 and 216. The plates 218' are arranged below, but are separated from the printing plate 217. If a label 36 should attempt to fall onto the support material 32 after it is delaminated at the peel edge 218, the label will be captured by the plates 218'. In this way, a label 36 is prevented from continuing along the path through which the carrier material 32 is guided after passing the peeling edge 218.

As shown in fig. 38, is the buffer or latch block

239 is shown to be slidably supported on a stop surface 287. The locking block 239 has a threaded hole 288 into which a set screw 289 is screwed. One half of the screw 289 is rotatably engaged in a semicircular groove 290, and one half of the head 291 of the screw 289 is caught in a semicircular recess 292 in the seat 293. The handle portion 233 of the frame portion 212 provides another stop surface (not shown) for the locking block 239 which is aligned with the stop surface 287, another semicircular groove (not shown) which is opposite the groove 290 for receiving of the other half of the screw 289, and another semicircular recess (not shown) opposite the recess 292 for receiving the other half of the head 291. A hole 294, one half of which is formed in each handle portion 233 and 234, enables introduction of a tool (not shown) by means of which the head 291 of the screw 289 can be influenced to rotate the screw 289. Rotation of the screw in one direction will cause the locking block a 239 is moved upwards (fig. 38), and rotation of the screw 289 in the opposite direction will cause the locking block 239 to move downwards (Fig. 38). It is obvious that regulating the position of the locking block 239 will regulate the limit of movement for the operator 235.

In fig. 48 shows an inking mechanism 252 which comprises a one-piece inking roller body 295 with two aligned sleeves 296 with converging openings 297. The sleeves or sockets 296 extend over more than 180°, so that the inking roller 298

can be snapped into the sockets 296. The color roller body 295 has two projections 299 arranged in line which can be snapped into sockets 300 (fig. 37) in the lid 251. The sockets 300 are designed in a similar way to the sockets 296. The color roller body 295 has one in one piece designed leaf spring or spring finger 301 as such as shown in fig. 49,

is arranged to be pressed against the lid 251. The spring finger 301 normally presses the blackening mechanism 252 into the position shown by solid lines in fig. 49. The color roller 298 is, as shown in fig. 49, arranged to lie in the path of the print head 219, but somewhat separated from this due to the fact that in this position the color roller body 295 is in contact with the frame 221 of the print head 219. When the print head 219 is moved from the fully retracted position to the position shown in dashed lines, the color roller 298 supplies ink or ink to the printing belts 220, and the entire inking mechanism 252 swings about the protrusions 299 to the position shown in dashed lines. When the printhead 219 returns to the fully retracted position in fig. 49, the spring finger 301 returns the inking mechanism 252 to the position shown fully retracted.

In fig. 48, the color roller 298 is shown to consist of two hub parts 302 and 303. The hub part 302 has an extended projection 304 at one end and a tapping 305 at the opposite end. The hub part 302 has an annular flange 306 between the pin end 305 and a part 307 with a smaller diameter. The narrowed part 307 is arranged between the flange 306 and the projection 304. The second hub part 303 has an annular flange 308 arranged between a narrowed part 309 and a tap 310. The narrowed part 309 is provided with a hole 304' into which the projection 304 is adapted to press fit. The projection 304 has straight grooves which serve to lock the hub parts 302 and 303 together. A black-susceptible, rod-shaped, porous roller 311 which consists of e.g. rubber or the like, is arranged on the narrowed parts 307 and 309 of respective hub parts 302 and 303. The flanges 306 and 308 rest against the ends of the roller 311 and prevent displacement of the roller.

In fig. 42, 43 and 44, the sub-frame parts 215 and 216 are shown to have leaf springs 312 and 313 which are integrally formed with the respective frame parts. The leaf springs 312 and 313 are provided with integral annular brake parts 314 and 315 with respective annular brake plates 316 and 317. The brake parts 314 and 315 are integrally formed with protrusions or hubs 318 and 319, whose surfaces 318' and 319' is engaged in and supports the tag core 44. The brake floats 316 and 317 cooperate to develop braking forces on the tag core 44. Neither the hubs 318 and 319 nor the brake parts 314 and 315 are in contact with the composite band 30 which is wound on the tag core 44. Thus, any adhesive which may be present on the outer side edges of the composite band 30 are not transferred to the brake floats 316 and 317. Fig. 45 shows in exaggerated form by means of dashed lines the initial positions of the leaf springs 312 and 313, the brake floats 314 and 315 and the hubs 318 and 319.

The original inclined position of the leaf spring 313, the brake part

315 and the hub 319 in relation to the rest of the subframe part 216 is also shown in fig. 43. Insertion of the tag core 44 into the hubs 318 and 319 will cause the leaf springs 312 and 313 to bow outward and the braking surfaces 316 and 317 will exert a predetermined braking force on the ends of the core 44. The braking force applied to the core 44 will ensure that there is stretch in the band 32 of carrier material from the label roll to the printing zone, to the peeling edge 218 and to the toothed drive wheel 244. As the detent 266 (Fig. 50) prevents reverse rotation of the drive wheel 244, it is realized that the apparatus maintains a slight but desirable degree of stretching in the band of carrier material 32 at any time.

The frame 211 consists of a largely closed casing, but the rear part has an access opening 211' through which a label roll can be inserted and a spent core 44 can be removed without even partially disassembling the apparatus 210 being necessary.

In fig. 55-58 shows the applicator or applicator 253 which is mounted in the frame 211. The applicator 253 comprises a hub 320 which is shown to have four annular, essentially V-shaped grooves 321 in which respective wheels 322 are rotatably mounted. The hub 320 also has two annular flanges 323 arranged between the set of three wheels 322

and the last wheel 322. The wheels 322 have larger diameters than the circles 323. The ends of the hub 320 outside the grooves 321 are stud ends 324. Undercuts 325 within the stud ends 324 enable the hub to be retained in cooperative, yielding sockets 326 and 327 in the frame members 212 and 213. The sockets 326 and 327 consist of a number of separate socket parts or resiliently springing fingers 328 and 329 to enable the pin ends 324 to be snapped into place. The sockets 326 and 327 and the cooperating pin ends 324 provide opposing snap-fit connections.

As the wheels 322 are identical, only one will be described

in detail. Each wheel 322 consists of an annular flange or rim 330 with an annular groove 331 in its outer circumference. A rubber 0-ring 332 is placed in the groove 331. A number of equal, mutually separated arms 333 which are formed in one piece with the rim 330, have generally V-shaped bearing parts 334 which are received in the respective groove 321. The arms 333 bearing parts 334 beyond forces on the hub 320, but allows the wheel 322 to rotate relative to the hub 320 and enables the wheel 322 to yield when a label 36 is applied to an item.

As the 0-ring 332 made of rubber has a high coefficient of friction, the rotation of the wheels 322 during label application is facilitated. The distance between the wheels 322 makes it possible for the applicator 253 to press the label 36 firmly onto an item without coming into contact with the writing that was placed on the labels 36 by the print head 219. When the label is pressed onto an item, the arms 333 allow the wheels to give after. This yielding effect is particularly useful when labels are to be applied to goods having irregular surfaces, the wheels 322 being mounted for both independent rotational movement and independent yielding movement in relation to each other. The flanges 323 prevent adjacent wheels 322 from turning more than a small distance away from the normal in relation to the hub 320.9

In fig. 59 shows an expanded view of the print head 219. The print head frame 221 is shown to consist of a side plate 335 with which the flanges 222 and 223 are connected. A mounting block 336 is stopped in one piece with the side plate 335. The block 336 has a pressure plate or pressure part 337 and a curved attachment surface 338. The mounting block 336 also has a sleeve 339 for receiving a projection 340 of the other side plate 341. A sole 342 is formed in one piece with the side plate 335 and is axially aligned in relation to a hole 343 in the side plate 341. Two soles 344 which are formed in one piece with the side plate 335 have hooks 345 which engage in shoulders 346 in the side plate 341. The side plate 341

has protrusions 347 which are adapted to fit under protrusions 348 on the block 336. When the protrusions 347 are placed under the protrusions 348, i.e. between the protrusions 348 and the side plate 335, the protrusion 340 is engaged in the sleeve 339, and when the hooks 345 are engaged with the shoulders 346, the frame 221 is securely but releasably interlocked.

The pressure bands' 220 are mounted in the frame 221 as best shown in fig. 60. The pressure bands 220 are pressed against the support or pressure plate 337 and are blocked as the teeth 349 which are formed on the underside of each of the pressure bands 220 engage with notches 350 which are formed on the side of the support 337. In this position the projection 340 is shown caught in the sleeve 339, the pressure bands are fast partly around driven parts in the form of wheels 351, the pressure bands are further under slight tension and the wheels are placed in a cradle position in and are rotatable on the attachment or holding surfaces 338. The wheels 351 have notches 352 for recording of the teeth 349.

Each printing tape 220 has a number of printing blocks 353. The different printing blocks 353 on each printing tape 220 can print different data as with conventional printing tapes. The printing blocks 353 are contained in a printing part 354 in the printing belt 220. The printing belt 220 also contains a non-pressing,. readable part 355. The readable part 355 contains readable indications. The user of the apparatus knows which data the printing block 353 at the printing part 337 will print by looking through a window 356.

It is often desirable to change the data that the print head 219 is to print. This is generally achieved by advancing the printing belt 220 to the printing position in which the selected data will be printed on the label. A selector shown generally at 357 has a knob 358 and a shaft or tubular member 359 which is received by the column 342. The selector 357 is freely rotatable about the column 342 and is movable axially so that its driving members or cams 360 can be displaced. in driving cooperation with any of the driven parts 351. Each driven part 351 has a central hole 361 which is provided with a number of notches 362 for receiving respective lugs 360. Each driven part 351 is also chamfered at the central hole 361 such as best shown at 363. In addition to the driving lugs 360, the selector 357 is provided with two opposite detents or resilient retaining hooks 364, the ends of which engage in the grooves provided by the bevel 363. The retaining hooks 364 serve to hold the selector in the axial position in which it is manually set, but allows the selector to be set in any desired position so that its driven part 360 will be in drive engagement with the selected driven part 351. pressing the selector 357 thus any or all of the driven parts 351 can be rotated, one at a time, resulting in the respective printing belts 220 being selectively moved to the selected position to print the selected data on the labels.

The drive cams 360 are somewhat separated from the ends of the grooves or notches 362. If the user attempts to turn the knob 352 so that a large torque is exerted on the selector 357, the drive cams 360 will bend and move out of the set of notches 362 in which they are placed in the driven part 351, and will move into the next set of notches 362 in the same driven part 351. Consequently, there will be a relative rotation between the selector 357 and the driven part 351 in which the cams 36D are engaged.

A spacer disc 365 is arranged between each of the driven parts 351 and the bands 220. Each of the spacer discs 365 has two lugs 365' which engage around the edges 366 at the ends of the holding surface 338.

The selector 357 is provided with an annular groove 367 near the knob 358. An indicator generally shown at 368 has a split collar 369 with a projection 370 which is received by the groove 367. The indicator 368 has a rectangular portion 371 which defines the window 356 The rods 344 have tongues or bushings 344' which engage in grooves

372 in the rectangular part 371. Two pointers 373 arranged on the inner surface of the rectangular part 371 are aligned with the lugs 360 on the selector 357. Accordingly, the pointers 373 indicate the position

of the cams 360, so that if the selector 357 is not in a position to drive the desired driven part 351 and its associated pressure belt 220, the selector 357 can be moved to a position in which the cams 360 are in drive connection with the desired driven part 351, so that the associated pressure belt 220 can be fed to the selected position.

5 if shown on. fig. 59, the side plate 341 has a projection or lug 374 by means of which the printing head 219 is guided by the frame parts 212 and 213 by means of respective liners 375 and 376 (see Figs. 37, 38, 49).

The shell or frame parts 212 and 213 are connected by means of identical snap-fit connections which contain generally push-button-shaped resiliently resilient members 377 which are arranged along the circumference of the shell part 312 and engage undercut grooves 378 in the shell part 213. One of these snap-fit connections is shown in detail at fig. 40.

Subframe parts 215 and 216 of subframe 214 are connected to each other, and frame parts 212 and 213 of frame 211 are connected to subframe 214 by means of three sets of identical snap-fit devices shown generally at 379, one of which is shown in detail in fig. 54. As shown in fig. 54, the frame parts 212 and 213 have respective bases 380 and 381 which consist of a number of respective resiliently springing fingers 382 and 383. The subframe part 215 has a projection 384 which is snap-connected to the base 380. The projection 384 has a number of elastically springing fingers 385. The subframe part 216 has a projection 386 which consists of a number of elastically springy fingers 387 which are snap-fit in the base 381. The subframe part 215 has a projection 388 which consists of a number of elastically springy fingers 389 which are accommodated in a base 390. The base 390 consists of elastically springy fingers 391. A projection 392 formed in one piece with the frame part 212 extends through the base 380, through the projection 384 and approximately to the end of the projection 3B8 in the base 390. The resilient fingers 383 of the base 381 are made thinner and thus more flexible than the resilient fingers 383 in the base 380. An attempt to open the frame 211 by separating the frame members 212 and 213 will cause the frame member 213 to separated from the subframe portion 316. The frame portion 212 will remain connected to the subframe 214. When the frame portion 213 is separated from the subframe 214, the protrusion 392 prevents the subframe portions 215 and 216 from being separated, as the spring fingers 389 cannot be bent inward due to the disturbance caused by the protrusion 392. As soon as the frame part 213 is removed, the inside of the apparatus 210 is uncovered. It is obvious that accidental removal of the subframe 214 or the frame part 212 from the subframe 214 is avoided by this construction. Further disassembly can be achieved by intentionally removing the subframe 214 from the frame part 212. This is achieved by moving the protrusion 384 out of the base 380. When this is done, the protrusion 392 is quickly out of the space between the resilient fingers 389 of the protrusion 388, and consequently the subframe parts 215 and 216 can be separated.

As, for example, shown in fig. 42-44, the subframe part 216 is shown to have four protrusions 393 which are adapted to be received snugly in recesses 394 at the end of the liner 262. The protrusions 393 which are received in the holes 394 help to hold the subframe parts 215 and 216 releasably together.

As shown in fig. 37 and 49, the cap 251 is shown to have an L-shaped flange 395 at one end and a projection 396 at the other end. To attach the inking or color roller mechanism 252 to the apparatus, the projection 395 is pushed over a shoulder 397 in the frame part 213, and then the lid 251 is snapped into position by causing the projection 396 to snap under a lip 398 in the frame part 213. In this way the color roller mechanism 252 is releasably mounted to the apparatus. To remove the inking roller mechanism, the user can insert a fingernail under an extension 399 of the lid 251, thereby causing the protrusion 396 to line around the lip 398.

In fig. 41, the operator 235 is shown pivoting on the pin 237. It is preferred that the operator 235 pivots at the lower end of the handle 232, as the user's strongest fingers, namely his index finger, middle finger and ring finger, grip the operator 235 at a significant distance from the pivot pin 237, while the user's relatively weak little finger is located close to the pivot pin 237. The ends of the pin 237 are undercut

at as shown/respectively 403 and 404. The ends 401 and 402 are occupied by sockets 405 and 406 in respective frame parts 212 and 213. Sockets 405 and 406 consist of respective elastically springy fingers 407 and 408. The operator is, as best shown in fig. 38 and 39, shown to have a largely U-shaped cross-section. The legs 409 and 410 are shown to be rotatably mounted around the pin 237. The spiral or torsion spring 238 is shown to be arranged on the pin 237 between the legs 409 and 410. If one wishes to remove . the frame part 213, the frame part 213 is moved relatively away from the frame part 212, so that the socket or socket 406 is moved out of the snap-fit connector with the end 402. Only when the operator 235 is moved away from the frame part 212, the end 401 can move out of the socket 405, because of the disturbance caused by the leg 409. This construction prevents accidental disconnection of the pin 237 from the frame parts 212 and 213.

In fig. 63 is shown an alternative construction where a selector 357a having a number of driving cams 360a similar to the cams 360, and also having two opposing detents 364a, selectively controls the setting of a selected driven part or wheel 351a. The embodiment in fig. 63 is different from the embodiment of the print head 219 which is shown e.g. on fig. 59-63, each of the driven parts 351a being provided with an inner, ring-shaped groove 411, and the slanted edge 363 (fig. 62) is curved. Instead of the catch 364a engaging between adjacent driven parts 351 as shown e.g. on fig. 61 and 62, the detents 364a consequently engage in the groove 411 in ehav the driven parts 351a, and preferably in the groove 411 in the same wheel with which the cams 360a are in driving connection. By means of this construction, both the driving function and the holding function are carried out by means of the selector 357a in cooperation with a single driven part 351a.

Fig. 62 is in fact an alternative embodiment showing the blocking or retention of one of the detents 364 in recesses or grooves provided by the chamfer or bevel 363. Fig. 62 shows that one of the wheels 351 is wider than the adjacent wheel 351, for to show that the selector 357 in accordance with the invention can work equally well with wheels 351 of different travel sizes, without this affecting the retention. With such a construction, some of the printing bands 220 can be wider than others, which is very desirable in some applications.

In fig. 64 and 65 another embodiment of a selector is shown which is generally shown at 357b. The selector 357b is the same as the selector 357 in that it has four drive cams 360b and two opposite detents 364b. The selector 357b differs from the selector 357 only in that the selector 357 is constructed in one piece, while the selector 357b is a two-piece construction. The selector 357b consists of body parts 412

and 413 which are joined by a snap connection. The body part 412 has a non-circular hole, and more specifically a square hole 414, and the body part 413 has a corresponding square part 415 which is occupied by the hole 414. By means of this construction, the body parts 412 and 413 are not able to rotate in relation to each other. The body part 413 has four elastically springy fingers 416 which end at projections 417 as shown in fig. 64, which projections are to be lined over a bead 418. In this position, an annular flange 419 rests against a shoulder 420 on the body part 412. The selector 357b is used in the same way as the selector 357. If desired, the selector 357a (fig. 63 ) is produced in two parts as shown in fig. 64 and 65.

In fig. 66, an alternative embodiment of a print head is shown which is generally shown at 219c and which has two mutually separate sets of printing parts 220c. The print head 219c has two sets of mounting blocks 366c, two sets of driven parts 351c and soles 344c which are all integrally formed with the side plate 335c. Flanges 222c and 223c and toothed parts 224c and 225c are arranged at a greater distance from each other than flanges 222 and 223 and the toothed parts 224 and 225. The two gears (not shown) which were to engage with the drive parts 224c and 225c, therefore had to be separated by a greater distance than the gears 242 and 243. It is also obvious that ball tracks (not shown) which should correspond to the ball tracks 230 and 231, had to be separated by a greater distance, as will be clear to a person skilled in the art. The side plate 341c carries a lining part 374c. The side plate 341c rotatably supports two selectors 337c for the respective sets of driven parts 351c. The pillars 344c occupy respective rectangular portions 371c which provide respective windows 356c. It is obvious that, with slight modifications, the printhead 219c can be driven by means of a mechanism which is of the same principle and construction as the mechanism which drives the printhead 219.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 67, 68 and 69, a selector 357d is arranged which is identical to the selector 357. The pressing parts are shown here in the form of a pressing wheel 220d. The pressure wheels 220d are shown to be identical and consist of pressure elements 421 carried by an annular hub 422i. surfaces 424 which are accommodated in holders 425 in adjacent mounting parts 426. The holders 425 comprise an annular portion 427 and two flexible, springy arms 428 which are formed in one piece with the annular portion. The pressure wheels 220d can therefore be inserted either axially into the holders 425, or they can be inserted into or removed from the holders by spreading the arms 428. The mounting parts 426 are provided with recesses 429 in which offset, one-piece retaining hooks or spring fingers 430 and 431. The detent 430 in one mounting portion 426 may cooperate with notch 430' to effect retention of an adjacent pressure wheel 220d on one side of mounting portion 426, and the other detent may cooperate with notch 431' to retain the adjacent pressure wheel 220d on the other side of the mounting part 426.

Each wheel 220d has a central opening 432 whose ends

is chamfered as shown at 433. As best shown in fig. 69, the ratchets 364d are accommodated in the chamfer between adjacent wheels 220d, and the drive cams 360d are in drive connection with the adjacent pressure wheel 220d. If desired, the blocking can be carried out in the manner shown in the embodiment in fig. 63.

It is preferred that the drive or feed wheel 244 is stopped by a material containing a lubricant, in order to reduce the amount of adhesive that is transferred to the feed wheel 244 during use, in order to prevent incorrect feeding. When incorporating a lubricant in the feed wheel 244, the surface of the wheel has a low coefficient of friction. However, the teeth 249 are sufficient to grip and drive the belt 32. A special material that can be used for supporting the feed wheel is an acetal resin combined with polytetrafluoroethylene lubricants. Such material is sold commercially under the name Thermocomp, No. KL-4030 by Liquid Nitrogen Processing Corporation, Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA. The rest of the apparatus in fig. 37-69, except for the pressure plate 217, O-rings 282 and 332, ball bearings 22B and 229, spring 238, washers 365 and rubber pressure bands 220, are made of suitable lightweight, pluggable plastic materials, such as acetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or the like, but the color roller 311 is preferably made of porous vinyl. The device is therefore light in weight, and is easy and comfortable to use with a minimum of effort.

Claims (20)

1. Printing device, characterized in that it comprises a printing head containing a mounting block with a concave mounting plate, a number of drive wheels which are placed in and are rotatable at their outer circumferences on the mounting plate, each drive wheel having a mainly central hole, a number of printing bands which is occupied under tension around the respective drive wheels, and a selector which is adapted to extend into the holes in the drive o the wheels to connect to any selected drive wheel to advance a selected printing belt. 2. Printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first side plate which is placed on one side of the mounting block, and a second side plate which is placed on the other side of the mounting block, the mounting block and its mounting surface, the pressure bands and the drive wheels being placed between the first and other side plates, and the selector extends through the second side plate. • 3. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a device for connecting the second side plate and the mounting block, the connection device comprising a base in the mounting block and a projection on the other side plate, as the projection is taken up in the base of the mounting block. 4. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a device for connecting the second side plate with the mounting block, the connection device comprising a projection and a bayonet base for receiving the projection. 5. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a device for connecting the second side plate and the mounting block, the connecting device comprising a projection which is occupied by the mounting block. 6. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a device for connecting the second side plate and the mounting block. 7. Pressure device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 6, characterized in that it comprises an indicator which is carried by the selector to indicate the selected drive wheel to which the selector is connected, and a projection and track connection arranged between the selector and the indicator which sets the selector cannot be rotated relative to the indicator, but allows the selector and indicator to be moved as a unit. 8. Printing device according to one of claims 2, 4 or 6, characterized in that the mounting block and the second side plate are formed from molded plastic material. 9. Pressure device according to claim 6, characterized in that the mounting part, the second side plate and the indicator are formed from molded plastic material. 10. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the projection is arranged on the second side plate. 11. Pressure device according to one of claims 1, 4 or 6, characterized in that it comprises spacers which are placed between adjacent drive wheels, the spacers having a pair of lugs which are placed at the ends of the concave mounting surface. « 12. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a second mounting block with a second concave mounting surface, a number of other drive wheels which are arranged in and are rotatable at their outer circumferences on the second mounting plate, each of the other drive wheels having in the main central hole, and a number of other pressure bands which are engaged under tension around the respective drive wheels, the second mounting block and the second concave mounting surface, the second drive wheels and the other pressure bands also being placed between the side plates, a second selector extending through the other side plate and is adapted to extend into the holes in the other drive wheels to connect an arbitrarily selected second drive wheel for feeding a selected second printing belt. 13. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a second mounting block with a second concave mounting surface, a number of other drive wheels which are arranged in and are rotatable at their outer circumferences on the second mounting surface, each of the other drive wheels having a the main central hole, and a number of other pressure bands which are engaged under tension around the respective second drive wheels, the second mounting block and the second concave mounting surface, the other drive wheel and the other pressure belts are also disposed between the side plates, a second selector extending through the second side plate and adapted to extend into the holes in the second drive wheels to engage an arbitrarily selected second drive wheel to advance a selected second pressure band, and a device for connecting the second side plate with both' mounting blocks. 14. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a second mounting block with a second concave mounting surface, a number of other drive wheels which are arranged in and are rotatable at their outer circumferences on the second mounting surface, each of the other drive wheels having a the main central hole, and a number of other pressure bands which are engaged under tension around the respective second drive wheels, the second mounting block and the second concave mounting surface, the second drive wheels and the second pressure bands also being placed between the first and second side plates, a second select extends through the second side plate and is adapted to extend into the holes in the second drive wheels to connect to an arbitrarily selected second drive wheel to advance a selected second printing belt, both mounting blocks having a bayonet socket, and the other side plate has projections that are snap-on into the bayonet socket. 15. Pressure device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a second mounting block with a second concave mounting surface, a number of other drive wheels which are arranged in and are rotatable at their outer circumferences on the mounting surface, each of the other drive wheels having a mainly central holes, and a number of other pressure bands engaged under tension around the respective second drive wheels, the second mounting block and the second concave mounting surface, the second pressure bands and the second drive wheels also being placed between the first and second side plates, and a second selector stretching through the second side plate and is adapted to extend into the holes in the drive wheels to connect to an arbitrarily selected second drive wheel for feeding a selected second pressure belt, a socket and lug connection between one mounting block and the other side plate, and a socket and projection connection between the second mounting block and the other . side plate. 16. Printing device according to one of claims 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that the mounting blocks and the second side plate are formed from molded plastic material. 17. Printing device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a device for sliding mounting of the selector. 18. Printing device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a mounting column which is occupied in at least one of the holes, the selector being slidably mounted around the columns. 19. Pressure device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a mounting column which is occupied in at least some of the holes, and that the selector has a tubular part and a driving cam, the column being occupied in the tubular part. 20. Pressure device according to one of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a further device for connecting the second side plate and the mounting block, and which comprises a projection arranged on the mounting block which is adapted to cooperate with the second side plate.