US3045800A - Universal typewriter spool - Google Patents

Description

July 24, 1962 w. D. LANDGRAF UNIVERSAL TYPEWRITER SPOOL Filed July 1, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. WALTER D. LANDG-EAF ATTO 2 N EY-s July 24, 1962 w. D. LANDGRAF UNIVERSAL TYPEWRITER SPOOL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 1, 1960 'III Wyn

INVENTOR.

WALTER D. Lmqoezm BY ATTOZNEYS fitates This application is a continuation-in-part of my application, Serial Number 30,562, filed May 20, 1960 now Patent 3,008,561, issued November 14, 1961, for Typewriter Spools.

The present invention relates generally to cartridges for inked printing ribbons and more particularly to improved packaging devices and spools for inked printing ribbons of the kind employed in typewriters, and the like, having spools capable of adaptation to a wide variety of typewriters.

It is presently known to package typewriter ribbons in pairs of completely closed containers, which are joined when sold and which are separated prior to installation on the typewriters. The ribbons are mounted on spools joined to the containers, and extend from one to another of the containers through slots provided therein. The advantages of the described construction are (1) that the fingers of the installers do not become covered with ink, during installation of a ribbon on a typewriter, because the fingers cannot come in contact with the main body of the ribbon, (2) that prolonged storage of the ribbons in substantially closed containers results in a minimum of ink dryness, and (3) that drying out of the ribbon while in the typewriter is minimized.

In the heretofore known form of typewriter ribbon cartridge, receptacles have been provided, which are supplied with cover plates, and the latter have been joined by a frangible element, so that the cover elements function as separable connectors for the receptacles.

In accordance with the present invention, a simplified and more effective form of typewriter ribbon cartridge is provided. Two containers are utilized, in the form of cylindrical cups, the bases of which are each provided with a small central circular aperture. The cups themselves are provided with axial slots for ribbon egress and an interconnecting bridge joins the slots. The bridge can be severed when the cartridge is to be installed, as by means of scissors or other sharp instruments. The bridge includes two Walls, between which the ribbon passes in proceeding from one cup to the other via the slots, to maximize protection of the fingers against soiling with ink from the ribbon.

Typewriter spools are also provided, each of which has an extended disc-shaped flange acting as a cover plate for a cup and which also each includes a stub or shoulder of reduced diameter extending from the main body of the spool into rotating engagement with a circular aperture in the cup base. The rim of each cup is provided with an inwardly extending circular lip, of slightly smaller diameter than the flange diameter. The spool may be assembled to the cup by pressing insertion of the spool, the stub then engaging the small circular aperture in the cup base, and the flange edges being pressed pastthe cup rim and resiliently engaging the under side of the latter. This operation is feasible, although the inner diameter of the cup is nearly equal to the flange diameter, because the radial slot in each cup imparts resilience to its circumferential Wall, permitting it to spread, while the flanges and the cup bases themselves have some inherent resilience. This resilience holds the flange rim snugly against the lip without imparting significant frictional resistance to rotation of the spool within the cup.

Spools according to the present invention are capable of universal use in a wide variety of typewriters. To this atent Patented July 24, 19fi2 end the hub of the spool is hollow, except for the provision of three axially extending arcuate elements, extending parallel to but spaced from the inner hub wall, and spacedly distributed at equal angles about the circumference of a circle. In one type of typewriter, a vertically extending hollow metallic cylinder, which houses ribbon control mechanism of conventional character per se, and which acts as a ribbon actuator, can extend within the space between the inner wall of the hub and the axial elements. Inwardly projecting lugs integral with the cylinder engage the edges of the axial elements to prevent relative rotation of the hollow metallic cylinder and the spool.

The spool flange includes three equi-angularly disposed radially extending recesses, which communicate with the hollow hub. Into these recesses may be fitted a three pronged adapter, the prongs of which are equi-angularly disposed and extend radially outwardly of a central disc which fits within the circle defined by the aforementioned axial elements. The adapter is thus secure against both rotation and radial movement in any direction. In the central disc of the adapter are provided one central aperture and five smaller apertures distributed symmetrically about the central apertures. These apertures can engage prongs of a ribbon spool actuation of certain typewriters.

The ribbon spool, taken both with and without its adapter, is thus suitable for use in most commonly commercially sold typewriters.

Structures according to the present invention can be fabricated of three molded elements: (1) the two joined cup, (2) the spools, which are duplicates, and (3) the adapters for the spools, which are duplicates. The device is therefore economical of fabrication, while the spool elements perform multiple functions, i.e. they include cover plates for the cups, spools for the ribbons, driven elements, and fittings to hold the adapters.

It is, accordingly, a broad object of the present invention to provide .a novel double cartridge for an inked ribbon.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel cartridge system for inked ribbons, wherein each cartridge is composed of basic elements, i.e. a cup element and a spool element, the latter including a unitary construction having a flange acting as a cover plate, a ribbon hub, and an adapter.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system of inked ribbon cartridges, each composed of a cup and a spool, the cups being joined by a bridge, the walls of which are designed to be placed into ribbon wells of a variety of typewriters without having to change the shape of said wells.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel two piece ribbon cartridge, including a cup having an inwardly protruding rim and a spool having a flange acting as a cover for the cup and engaging the under side of the rim at the flange edge, wherein provision is made for engaging the spool with a variety of ribbon drive mechanisms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel ribbon spool, having provision for retaining an adapter, whereby the spool may be adapted to engage the actuating mechanisms of typewriters of substantially all commercial types, some by virtue of the adapter configuration and others by virtue of the configuration of the hub of the spool, exclusive of the adapter.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of one specific embodiment thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perspective of a typewriter ribbon double cartridge, according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view as seen from the under side, of a cartridge according to the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a view in perspective of a double cartridge according to FIGURE 1 in process of being mounted on a typewriter;

FIGURE 4 is a view in section taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view in perspective of a single cartridge, according to the invention;

FIGURE 6 is a view in section taken on line 6--6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded view of a cartridge in relation to a spool drive mechanism;

FIGURE 8 is a view in plan of a single cartridge; and

FIGURE 9 is a view in section taken on the line 99 of FIGURE 7.

Referring now to the drawings, the reference numeral 10 denotes one cup and the reference numeral 11 another cup of a twin cup ribbon cartridge. The cups 10 and 11 each includes a base, these being identified by the numerals 12 and 13, and further the cups include cylindrical walls 14, 15 and axially located circular openings 16 and 17, in the bases respectively. Substantially identical spool elements 18 are provided for the cups 10 and 11, so that a description of one will suflice for both.

The spool elements 18 include disc-shaped flanges 20 acting as cover plates for the cups 10 and 11. The flanges 20 have slightly smaller diameters than the inner diameters of the cylindrical walls 14, 15, and hence fit snugly but rotationally therein. Extending centrally from each flange is a hub 21, on which may be wound a ribbon 22. To secure the ribbon 22 to the hubs 21, suitable fastening device 60 are secured to the hubs 21. Each of the hubs is provided at its end with a stub or shoulder of reduced diameter, 23, which fits within the axial openings, as 16, 17, the latter providing a bearing surface for the stub or shoulder 23, both in respect to rotary and end bearing, since the main body of the hub 21 is of slightly greater diameter than the diameters of the openings 16, 17.

The rims of cups 1% and 11 are each provided with an inwardly extending lip 26 of internal diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the flanges 20. The height of the spool plus the thickness of the flange, making allowance for the height of the shoulder 23, is such that the upper edge of the flange 26 can be forced under the lip 26, and thereafter rotate within the cylindrical walls, as 15, 16, without vertical or lateral play. Opposed axial slots 27 are provided in the cylindrical walls 14 and 15 of the cups 10, 11, to permit movement of a ribbon into and out of the cups. The slots 27 have the added effect of imparting resilience to the cylindrical walls 14, 15, permitting some spread when the flanges 20 are forced into place, and this resilience in turn maintains a close fit of the flanges 20 within the cups. In a vertical sense the bases 12, 13 of the cups have sufficient resilience to maintain contact of the edges of the flanges 20 against the under side of rims 26. The thickness of the shoulder 23 is approximately adequate to equal the thickness of the base 12 of the cup 10.

The cups 10 and 11 are joined by two parallel webs 31, 32, joined by a base 33, to form a bridge between the cups, and also to provide a shield for that portion of the ribbon 22 which extends between the cups, via openings 27. Openings 34 are provided in webs 31, 32, and base 33, to permit observation of the ribbon, as to establish color or type, and also to facilitate cutting of the bridge.

The cartridge pairs are sold in bridged or joined relation. When the purchaser desires to install the ribbon in a typewriter, the bridge is cut, as by scissors or other sharp instruments, at the windows 34, and the cups 10, 11, separated. The cups are installed in the typewriter with with the bases 12, 13 upwardly, and the cover plates 20 are provided with devices, hereinafter described, which can engage driving mechanism of a typewriter. Such mechanism rotates as the typewriter is operated to type,

and rotates the cover plates or flanges 20, and thereby the spools 21, in usual fashion. The spools including flanges 20 cannot wobble, during rotation, because they are provided with bearing surfaces at the shoulders 23 and also at the edges of flanges 20, where the latter fit snugly laterally against the inner surfaces of Walls 14 or 15, and uppwardly against the under side of lip 26.

Extending upwardly from the base of the hub 21, and internally of the Wall of the hub, are three arcuate elements 42, which are distributed at equal angles co-axially of the wall of the hub 21 but are spaced radially therefrom. The heights of the axial arcuate elements 42 are such that they extend to the outer surface of the flange 20 at their outer edges. The flange itself is provided with radial openings 43, three in number, and spaced equiangularly about the flange, and symmetrically with respect to the axis thereof. The openings 43 communicate with slots 44 in the wall of the hub 21, and extend about half way down into the hub.

An adapter 45 is provided, as a element separate from the flange 20 and hub 21, and comprises three radially extending elements 46, extending from a central disc 47. The disc 47 is provided with a central opening 48, surrounding which are located five openings 49, (for example only), at equal angles and on a circle concentric with the central opening 48. The central disc 47 is slightly thicker than the radial extensions 46, but on one side the extensions 46 and the disc 47 are co-planar or have a co-planar surface, this being the outer surface when the adapter is applied to the flange 20. When so applied the extensions 46 fit the openings 43, while the central disc 47 fits the opening formed by the three axial arcuate elements 42, the spacing between adjacent pairs of these permitting passage of the extensions 46.

Extending downwardly from flange-like base 54 is a cylindrical sleeve 58, within which rides a reciprocable rod 59, the latter serving to actuate a ribbon feed control 64, located within cylinder 53, and which is part of a typewriter and not of the present invention, and therefore is not further described.

In operation the cylinder 53 fits into the opening 55. The cylinder 53 is provided with an inwardly extending lug 62, which in conjunction with a further lug 63, locks into the spaces between arcuate elements 42, and prevents rotary play of the spool with respect to the cylinder 53. Rotation of sleeve 58, in response to typing operation of a typewriter, then results in rotation of the spool.

When the adapter 45 is applied to the flange 20, it provides a coupling element to a driving mechanism having a central pin for engaging opening 48, and one further pin, as 51, which engages one of the openings 47, so that each hub and flange can be rotated with respect to its cup. On the other hand, when the adapter 45 is removed, exposing the arcuate axially extending elements 42, and the opening between these and the outer wall of the hub 21, provision exists for coupling the hub '21 with a drive element 52, such as is illustrated in FIGURE 9 of the accompanying drawings and which includes a metallic cylinder 53, extending upwardly from a flangelike base 54 of greater diameter than the cylinder 53. The cylinder 53 extends into the space 55 between the hub 21 and the elements 42.

A typewriter ribbon well 56 is shown in FIGURE 3, in fragmentary fashion, to indicate that the web 31 which forms part of each cup, as 11, 12 bears against the edge of well 56, after the cup and enclosed ribbon have been installed in a typewriter. Thereby the cup, as 12 is held against rotation, the edge 57 of well 56 operating as a stop, but rotation of flange 20 within the cup 12 is not impeded.

While I have described and illustrated one specific embodiment of the present invention, it will become apparent that variations of the specific details of construction may he resorted to without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

aoaaeoo What I claim is:

1. A ribbon cartridge, comprising a pair of cups, a bridge joining said cups, each of said cups including a base wall and a cylindrical wall extending from and integral with said base wall, said cylindrical walls of said cups including opposing axial slots for ingress and egress of a ribbon, a spool for each of said cups, each of said spools including a flange acting as a cover for said cup, andmeans for securing said spools and flanges rotationally with respect to said cups, said bridge including at least two walls between which said ribbon extends in passing between said axial slots, and adapters arranged to be secured to said flanges, said flanges including recesses mated with said adapters.

2. A ribbon cartridge adapted for use with a drive shaft having a radially extending arm, comprising a pair of joined cups, each of said cups including a base Wall and a cylindrical wall extending from and integral with said base Wall, said cylindrical Walls of said cups each including an axial slot, a spool for each of said cups, each of said spools having a flange acting as a cover for a cup, means for securing said spools and flanges rotationally with respect to said cups, said spools including a plurality of arcuate axially extending elements located interiorly thereof, said arcuate elements all falling on arcs of the same circle and being circumferentially separated, said elements being spaced so that said arm extends between an adjacent pair of them.

3. A ribbon cartridge, comprising a pair of. joined cups, each of said cups including a base wall and a cylindrical Wall extending from and integral with said base wall, said cylindrical walls of said cups each including an axial slot, a spool for each of said cups, each of said spools having a flange acting as a cover for a cup, means for securing said spools and flanges rotationally with respect to said cups, said spools including a plurality of arcuate axially extending elements located interiorly thereof, said arcuate elements all falling on arcs of the same circle and being circumferentially separated and a multipronged adapter having prongs mating with slots in said flange and a central disc located between said arcuate elements.

4. A spool for a typewriter ribbon, said spool including a hollow hub, a flange coaxial with and integral with said hub, said flange including a plurality of spaced apertures, said hub having internally thereof a plurality of elements adapted to engage a first type of ribbon driver, and an adapter having arms engageable with said hub and the apertures of said flange, in irrotational relation to said flange, said adapter being arranged to engage a second type of ribbon driver difierent from said first type of ribbon driver.

5. The spool of claim 4 wherein said apertures extend ate elements falling on arcs of the same circle and being circumferentially separated.

7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein is further provided a multi-pronged adapter having prongs mating with slots in said flange and a central disc located between said arcuate elements.

8. A ribbon cartridge comprising a pair of cups having parallel axes, a bridge joining said cups, each of said 7 cups including a base wall and a cylindrical wall exradially of said flange and divide said flange into equal tending from and integral with said base Wall, said cylindrical walls including opposed axial slots for ingress and egress of said ribbon, a spool rotatable within each of said cups, each of said spools including a flange acting as a cover for its cup, said bridge extending in a plane parallel to the axes of said cups, said bridge being severable to leave a protuberance on each cup arranged to prevent predetermined rotations of said cups with respect to the wells of inked printing machines when installed therein, and adapters arranged to be secured to said flanges, said flanges including recesses mated with said adapters.

9. A universal ribbon cartridge adapted for use with a drive shaft having a radially extending arm, comprising a pair of cups, :a severable bridge joining said cups, a spool installed in each of said cups and rotatable freely with respect thereto, said cups being arranged for installation in the wells of an inked printing machine after severance of said bridge, thesevered remainders of said bridge on each side of the line of severance remaining secured to said cups as protuberances and being arranged to hold said cups against rotation with respect to said wells, said spools including a plurality of arcuate, axially extending elements located interiorly thereof, said arcuate elements elements all falling on arcs of the same circle and being circumferentially separated, said elements being spaced so that said arm extends between an adjacent pair of them.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said cups and said bridge before severance constitute a unitary molded structure.

11. An adapter for ribbon spools carried by rotatable driving elements, comprising a cylinder having an axially extending wall, means on said cylinder for securing said cylinder to said driving elements and a plurality of radially extending arms secured to said wall and adapted to fit into slots on a flange of said spools.

12. The adapter of claim 11 wherein said arms are equispaced about the central axis of said cylinder.

13. The adapter of claim 11 wherein said cylinder includes a disc secured to and extending at right angles to said wall, said disc including a plurality of apertures adapted to engage the driving element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Roller et al Mar. 29, 1960

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