WO2009095495A2

WO2009095495A2 - Embossing tools

Info

Publication number: WO2009095495A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/051107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kris Vandermeulen
Original assignee: Dymo
Priority date: 2008-01-31
Filing date: 2009-01-30
Publication date: 2009-08-06
Also published as: GB0801821D0; WO2009095495A3

Abstract

An embossing tool comprising an actuating member movable between a first and a second position to emboss an image on a tape; and indicating means for indicating that actuating member that the actuating member is in said second position.

Description

EMBOSSING TOOLS

The present invention relates to embossing tools and wheels for use with embossing tools.

Known embossing tools are generally handheld and mechanically operated. Embossing tools are designed to emboss selected characters or numbers on an elongated strip of embossable material. The embossable material can be of any suitable construction and may for example be a thernno-ptastic resin. The tape is mechanically deformed by squeezing the tape between a die set of a selected character, number or the like. The die set is carried by the first and second wheels. The tape passes between the first and second wheels. To emboss an image on the tape, a portion of one of the wheels is urged against the opposite wheel to deform the tape therebetween. The wheels are rotated together so that the selected character or the like is at the embossing position.

In order to successfully emboss a character or the like, the user has to apply at least a minimum predetermined force which is transmitted to the die set. If an insufficient force is applied, the character or the like may not be formed on the tape or be insufficiently formed.

It has been suggested to provide one of the wheels of a transparent material. This allows the user to have some indication if the embossing is being executed but will not provide any information to the user as to whether or not the embossing has been executed to a sufficient level to ensure that a correctly formed character or the like has been provided.

In US 3372787, an arrangement is described where the embossed characters are visible as soon as the tape has passed the periphery of the wheel structure. However, whilst this gives the user a visual indication that a character or the like has been incorrectly embossed, it is too late for the user to take any remedial action in that the character has already been embossed and the tape advanced to the next embossing position. Reference is made to L)S 3664477 which describes an embossing tool. In this arrangement, the embossing tool has a replaceable wheel. The selector wheel has a spindle which engages a clip of the body of the embossing tool. In this arrangement, a blade which acts against an anvil is provided to cut the tape. The cutting arrangement is part of the embossing tool body.

In US 3757919, a cutting arrangement is disclosed as being part of the wheel and is used to cut off the tape. However, in this arrangement, the wheel is not designed to be easily removed.

In one modification to the arrangement of US3757919, the wheel can be mounted onto a support part. The support part and the wheel are then mounted in the embosser. To remove the wheel, the support part and the wheel are together removed from the embosser and then the wheel can be separated from the support part.

In US 3372787 describes a wheel arrangement which incorporates a full cut arrangement and a tab cut arrangement. A tab cut is a cut which only extends through one of the layers of the embossing tape. For example, the blade may cut through the upper embossed surface but not an underlying backing layer.

Each of these arrangements has various disadvantages. The arrangement which has the blade included in the embossing tool has the disadvantage that over time the blade will become blunted and accordingly the quality of the cut provided may suffer. Those arrangements which have the knife arrangement incorporated in the wheel are not particularly easy to remove or are not designed to be removed at all.

It is an aim of one or more embodiments of the present invention to address one or more of the discussed problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an embossing tool comprising an actuating member movable between a first and a second position to emboss an image on a tape; and indicating means for indicating that actuating member that the actuating member is in said second position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an embossing tool comprising an embossing wheel comprising a first wheel and a second wheel providing a plurality of die sets for embossing an image on a tape, said embossing wheel comprising at least one blade and an associated anvil, said embossing wheel being arranged to be removably connected to said embossing tool.

For a better understanding of the present invention and as to how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows a cross-section through an embossing tool embodying the present invention, the embossing tool being in a rest position; Figure 2 shows the same cross-section through the embossing tool of

Figure 1 , with the embossing tool being in a fully activated position;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a control member of the embossing tool of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows a view from above of the embossing tool of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 shows the wheel mounted to the tape guide part of the housing of the embossing tool of the preceding figures;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the wheel of Figure 5; and Figure 7 shows the wheel removed from the tape guide part of the housing of the embossing tool of the preceding figures.

Reference is made to the accompanying figures which show a hand operated embossing tool. The tool is designed to emboss selected indicia such as characters, symbols, numbers or the like on an elongated strip of embossable material such as a plastic tape 14 or the like. Some embodiments of the present invention are able to deal with more than one width of the tape. Other embodiments of the present invention are arranged to deal with a single width of tape.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the embossing tool 10 is arranged to be used with a reel 16 of tape 14. It should be appreciated that for clarity, the tape is not shown along the path from the reel 16 to the exit of the embossing tool.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the reel is accommodated in the body of the embossing tool, in the region of the tool which is arranged to be gripped by the user. In this embodiment, the reel of tape is received in the tape guide part of the housing 100 of the embossing too. The reel 16 of tape is fixed to the housing 100 while the handle 102 can pivot relative to the housing 100.

It should however, be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the reel can be accommodated in other locations in the embossing tool or be provided external to the embossing tool body.

In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the embossing tool may additionally or alternatively be arranged to be used with pre-cut lengths of tape which are inserted into the embossing tool and which are embossed.

Embossing of the tape is accomplished at an embossing station 26 where there is located an embossing die set 28 actuated via a control member 30. This control member 30 will be described in more detail hereinafter. Die set 28 is one of a series of die sets located in a ring on a selector wheel 32, which can be seen in more detail in Figure 6. The selector wheel 32 is rotatable about its central axis 33 and comprises an upper wheel 35 and a lower wheel 37. One part of a die set is on the upper wheel 35 and the other is arranged opposite thereto on the other wheel 37. In particular, one of these wheels carries the die and the other wheel carries the punch of each die set. !n this way, any one of the series of die sets can be located in the embossing station 26 to emboss the selected indicia on the tape 14.

Reference will now be made particularly to Figures 1 to 4 which illustrate visual feedback which is provided during an embossing operation to the user. In particular, Figure 1 shows the embossing tool 10 in a configuration before an embossing operation is carried out. This contrasts with Figure 2 which shows the embossing tool in a position in which a character or the like is being embossed onto the tape 14. To actuate the embossing tool, an actuating member 40 is squeezed by the user towards an opposite surface. The reel 16 of tape 14 is accommodated within the tape guide part of the housing 100 of the embossing tool in such a way that the handle 102 which is defined by the actuating member 40 pivotably mounted in the housing, rotates towards and around the reel of tape area of the housing. The actuating member 40 is pivotally mounted to the housing by a pivot connection 44. The pivot connection 44 is arranged generally below the wheel 32. The actuating member 40 is biased to the position shown in Figure 1 , that is the rest position.

It should be appreciated that any suitable biasing mechanism can be used. For example, a spring arrangement may be provided about the pivot point 44. The actuating member 40 has an end 45 remote from the pivot connection 44 which engages a surface 46 of the housing 42. The interaction between the end portion 45 of the actuating member 40 with the surface 46 of the housing 42 defines the rest position of the actuating member. The opposite end of the actuating member 40 comprises a second engagement portion 48. This second engagement portion 48 is closer to the pivot connection 44 as compared to the first engagement portion 45. This second engagement portion 48 engages the control member 30.

To illustrate the arrangement of the embossing tool, Figures 1 and 2 show a post 52 of the control member 30 and a U-shaped rib 53 on the actuating member 40. The post is received in the U-shaped rib 53. Accordingly, the U-shaped rib 53 and the post 52 are sized so as to interact one with the other. In particular, the post is sized to fit snugly with respect to the rib but at the same time is arranged to rotate therein. In reality, in the embodiment shown, two of these arrangements are provide, one above the plane of Figure 1 and one below the plane of Figure 1. This can be seen from a consideration of Figure 3 which shows the control member in more detail.

When the user is holding the embossing tool 10, the housing 42 will generally be accommodated in the palm of the user's hand. The fingers of the user will generally engage against the actuating member 40. In order to emboss a character or the like, the actuating member is squeezed by the user, in the direction of arrow A, towards the top of the housing 42. In this embodiment, this will be towards a lid which is provided for inserting and removing the reel of tape. In other words, the actuating member 40 is moved inwardly with respect to the housing 42.

In this regard, reference is made to Figure 2 which shows the actuating member in a position in which a character or the like is embossed on the tape. As can be seen, the actuating member 40 is engaged with the control member 30. The control member 30 is illustrated in Figure 3. The control member 30 is connected to the U-shaped rib 53 of the second engagement portion 48 of the actuating member 40 by posts 52. The two posts 52 lie along a common axis. These posts 52 ensure engagement between the actuating member 40 and the control member 30 when the actuating member pivots about axis 44 and the control member pivots about axis 54. When the actuating member 40 is moved, the U-shaped ribs 53 on both sides of the actuator member engage with the posts 52 of the control member 30. The engagement between the slots and the posts, forces the control member to rotate about axis 54, During this rotation, the posts 52 have a sliding movement in the U-shaped ribs 53 of the actuating member.

Thus the control member 30 is arranged to be mounted in the embossing tool and is mounted about the pivot axis 54. This pivot axis is fixed with respect to the body of the embossing tool. The control member 30 is arranged to rotate about the axis defined by the pivot axis 54. Movement of the control element 30 is controlled by movement of the actuating member 40.

The control member 30 has a surface 56. This surface 56 is arranged to be below the embossing station. When the control member 30 is moved by the actuating member, the surface 56 is moved in the direction of Arrow B (see Figure 3). As can be seen by a comparison of Figures 1 and 2, this moves the surface 56 upwardly to cause the die set element on the lower wheel 37 to be moved upwards to the corresponding die set element on the upper wheel. In this way a tape between the upper and lower wheel will be embossed. It should be appreciated that the surface 56 has a width which is generally equal to or smaller than each element of the die set carried by the lower wheel. In this way, the respective element of the die set on the lower wheel can be moved upwards for engagement with the die set element carried by the upper wheel.

The control member 30 is provided with an arm 58. This arm 58 has an end portion 60 which is arranged to provide a visual indication of the embossing. The arm 58 is arranged to extend over the upper wheel. In particular, this arm either itself or by an element carried thereby, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is arranged to provide a visual indicator 64 which can be viewed by the user. In more detail, as shown in Figure 4, there is a window 66. This window 66 is either open or has a transparent cover. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the element providing the visual indicator 64 moves from a first position shown in Figure 1 to a second position shown in Figure 2.

In the position shown in Figure 1 , the indicator 64 cannot be seen through the window. In the second position shown in Figure 2, the indicator 64 lies completely below the window 66. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indicator 64 is provided part of a distinctive colour so that it is clear to the user when the indicator lies below the window is covered and when it is not. Accordingly, the colour of the indicator 64 may be selected to contrast with the colour used for the embossing tool housing. Thus, the arrangement shown in Figure 1 is when the embossing tool is at rest. Thus, there will be no indication provided in the window 66. However, when the user actuates the embossing tool, by providing a sufficient force to correctly emboss, the indicator 64 will be completely below the window. However, if the user fails to actuate sufficiently the actuating member 40, the indicator 64 would not move completely under the window. Accordingly, the window would only partially have the indicator therebelow. The user would immediately have a visual indication that the force provided by the user is not sufficient to correctly emboss. Accordingly, the user would be prompted to continue to squeeze the actuating member 40 until such time that the indicator is completely below the window. In the example shown in Figure 4, the indicator 64 only partially underlies the window.

It should be appreciated that the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 4 for providing a visual indicator to the user is only one example of a way in which this can be done. Embodiments of the present invention preferably are arranged such that the actuating member is coupled to the indicating member such that the extent of movement and/or pressure applied to the actuating member is translated to the control the position of the indicator 64.

As mentioned previously, the indicator 64 can be omitted and the surface 60 itself can be used to provide an indicator.

It should be appreciated that this is only one way in which the visual indication can be implemented. With the above example, this may be modified so that an indication that sufficient pressure has been applied is obtained when the window is clear. Alternatively, any part of the indicator when viewed may provide information to the user about for example sufficient pressure.

The above described embodiment has used a window arrangement. Other methods of providing visual feedback may be provided which do not use a window. In preferred embodiments, a visual indication is provided to the user that sufficient pressure has been provided to correctly emboss a character as the user is embossing that character. Alternatively, the visual feedback may be in the form of a light signal. The light signal is activated when the actuating member is sufficiently pressed to form an embossing. This may be implemented by having an electrical contact which is only closed when the sufficient pressure is applied to correctly emboss an image. When the contact is closed, a circuit is completed and a light lights up. The light may be a constant light signal or a flashing light signal. The light source may be any suitable light source and may for example be an LED (light emitting diode). This may be in addition or as an alternative to the visual indication described above.

In a further alternative, the feedback is a sound which may be provided additionally or alternative to the visual indications described previously. The user is informed by a sound when the actuating member is sufficiently pressed to form an embossed character correctly. The sound can provided by a mechanical sound producing arrangement or by an electrical sound producing arrangement.

The visual feedback is viewed in a separate window and shows clearly to the user if a satisfactory embossing operation has been executed. This contrasts with those embodiments where a transparent wheel is used. This provides some indication if an embossing has been at some level executed but will not provide the user with any clear information as to whether the embossing operation currently being executed has been sufficiently executed.

Reference will now be made particularly to Figures 5 to 7. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the selector wheel 32 is arranged to include at least one cutting arrangement. In particular, the cutting arrangement in one embodiment of the present invention comprises an arrangement which makes a full cut and a tab cut. To provide this, one die set is arranged to have a first blade arrangement 74 comprising a full cut blade and a part cut blade. The other part of the associated die set 72 comprises an anvil arrangement for the respective blades. This may be a single anvil for both blades or a separate anvil for each blade. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, a single blade and anvil can be provided in a die set. In one embodiment of the present invention, two cutting die sets may be provided. One die set may provide a full cut and the other die set may provide a partial cut.

In order to achieve a cut, the user selects to cut rather than a particular letter. The cutting arrangement is then moved to the embossing station 26. When the actuating member 40 is actuated as described previously, this will cause the anvil to be moved towards the blade causing the tape either to be cut completely and/or partially.

It is advantageous to include a cutting arrangement as one or more of the die sets of a selector wheel. This is because, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the selector wheel 32 is removable. This allows the user to have a wide range of for example fonts and/or character set. A removable selector wheel has the advantage that a wheel can easily be replaced when one or more of the blades are worn. This is especially the case when the selector wheel has a tab cut blade. A tab cut blade requires high precision such that such cutting arrangement may need to be replaced more often than a full cut cutting arrangement. Furthermore, as will be described below, loading the wheel from the side makes it possible for the user to replace the wheel with one or more worn blades in an easy way by a new wheel including new blades without the need to disassemble the embossing tool.

The selector wheel 32 is arranged to have a central hub 33. This central hub 33 is arranged on the under-surface of the upper wheel 35. This hub 33 is arranged to engage the lower wheel. The hub 34 has an engaging element 82 which extends outward therefrom. This engaging element 82 is arranged to be engaged in a suitable cut out portion 84 of a hole 80 defined in the lower wheel. In other words, the hole is generally circular and has a further cut out portion 84 which is arranged to engage with the engaging element 82 of the hub 33. The result of this is that when the upper wheel is pushed against the lower wheel so that the hub and engaging element 82 engage with the hole 80 and its cut out 84. The upper and lower wheels are retained together in position. This can be achieved by any other suitable mechanism in alternative embodiments.

In order to replace and remove the selector wheel 32 from the embossing tool, the wheel is moved generally in the direction of Arrow C (See Figure 5). In other words, the selector wheel 32 is moved along its own plane, perpendicular to the plane of the embossing tool 10, along which the cross- section shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 have been taken. Thus the wheel is loaded from the side of the embossing tool.

Reference is made to Figure 7 which shows the clip mechanism used to retain the selector wheel 32 in place. As can be seen the embossing tool 10 has a clip arrangement 90 which is arranged to engage the hub portion 33 of the wheel. Accordingly, the clip arrangement 90 is generally circular with a portion cut away. The clip 90 is arranged to be flexible but resilient. Accordingly, when sufficient force is applied, the clip will open to allow the hub to be received and retained in the clip 90. The arms 92 of the clip are flexible so as to allow the hub portion to be inserted with application of a given force and also to allow the hub portion 33 to be removed when a similar force is applied. As can be seen, the clip comprises a generally C-shaped configuration.

In this regard, reference is made to Figure 5 which schematically shows the hook 90 accommodating the hub 33.

In one modification to the embodiment shown, the lower wheel 37 provides the punches and anvils for the respective die sets. Accordingly, in one modification, the upper wheel only is replaced. Accordingly, when a user wishes to change the characters which can be embossed, the selector wheel 32 is removed. The lower wheel 37 is removed from the upper wheel. A new upper wheel 35 is then attached to the lower wheel and put in place.

It should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, alternative arrangements may be provided for retaining the wheel in place. For example, the embossing tool may be provided with a hub like member which is engaged by a clip provided on the selector wheel.

Alternative push fit mechanisms can of course be used in order to retain the wheel in place on the embossing tool.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are arranged so that the wheel arrangement is directed fitted into the embossing tool. This contrasts with the prior art which is provided with a support member to which the wheel needs to be mounted before being inserted into the embossing tool. Some embodiments of the invention omit this support member. There is a clip of the embossing tool to which the replaceable wheel is directly fitted.

An alternative side loading mechanism is a push button loading mechanism. The selector wheel has a central hole. The embosser is arranged with a push button to move a pin up and down. To install and remove the wheel the pin is moved down. When the wheel is loaded in the correct position the push button is pressed to move the pin in the hole of the wheel. The wheel can rotate around the pin of the loading mechanism.

It should be appreciated that a configuration of the embossing tool is one of a number of different possible configurations. For example, the tape may be stored to one side of the embossing tool and used in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool when taken through the handle. In other words, the tape moves generally in the direction of arrow C. The indicator window in such an embodiment may of course be moved to take this into account.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, for example those including the described arrangements for the wheel selector may omit the visual indicator. In alternative embodiment of the present invention, for example those including the visual indicator may have a non-removable selector wheel or a different construction for the retaining of the selector wheel in place.

Claims

1. An embossing tool comprising: an actuating member movable between a first and a second position to emboss an image on a tape; and indicating means for indicating that actuating member that the actuating member is in said second position; wherein the indicating means is at least one of a visual or audio means.

2. A tool as claimed in claim 1 , wherein when said actuating member is in said second position an image is embossed on said tape with a predetermined quality.

3. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means is arranged to provide a visual indication.

4. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indication means is arranged to be coupled to the actuating member.

5. A tool as claimed in claim 4, wherein said indication means is connected to said actuating member.

6. A tool as claimed in claim 5, wherein said indication means is pivotally connected to the actuating means.

7. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a window through which said indicating means is visible.

8. A too! as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the indication means underlies said window.

9. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indication means completely underlies the window when the actuating means is in one of said first and second positions.

10. A too! as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indication means is not visible through said window when the actuating means is in one of said first and second positions.

11. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said actuating means is arranged to be biased to the first position.

12. A tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means comprises a surface which causes a member of an embossing die set to move toward another member of said die set.

13 An embossing too! as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means is arranged to provide a fight signal.

14. An embossing tool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means is arranged to provide an audible sound.

15. An embossing tool comprising: an embossing wheel comprising a first wheel and a second wheel providing a plurality of die sets for embossing an image on a tape, said embossing wheef comprising at least one blade and an associated anvil, said embossing wheel being arranged to be removably connected to said embossing tool.

16. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 15, wherein said embossing wheel is connected to said embossing tool via a push fit.

17. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein one of said embossing wheel and embossing tool comprises a clip and the other of said embossing wheel and embossing tool comprises a means for engaging with said clip.

18. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 15, wherein said embossing wheel is connected to said embossing tool via a mounting pin.

19. An embossing tool as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, wherein said at least one blade comprises a blade for providing a partial cut.

20. An embossing tool as claimed in any of claims 15 to 19, wherein said at least one blade comprises a blade for providing a full cut.

21. An embossing tool as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, wherein said embossing wheel is arranged to be mounted in said embossing tool by moving said embossing wheel in the plane of said embossing wheel.