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WO1993014943A1 - Appareil de copie et d'affichage luminescent et procede d'utilisation d'un tel appareil - Google Patents

Appareil de copie et d'affichage luminescent et procede d'utilisation d'un tel appareil Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993014943A1
WO1993014943A1 PCT/US1993/000745 US9300745W WO9314943A1 WO 1993014943 A1 WO1993014943 A1 WO 1993014943A1 US 9300745 W US9300745 W US 9300745W WO 9314943 A1 WO9314943 A1 WO 9314943A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
paper
opaque
carbon paper
transparent sheet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1993/000745
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Norman O. Meyers
Masayuki Kondo
Original Assignee
The Ohio Art Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP007779U external-priority patent/JPH0562298U/ja
Application filed by The Ohio Art Company filed Critical The Ohio Art Company
Publication of WO1993014943A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993014943A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L1/00—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing
    • B43L1/004—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing with illuminating devices
    • B43L1/006—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing with illuminating devices with luminescent substances
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L1/00—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L1/00—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing
    • B43L1/12—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing having translucent writing surfaces producing visual impressions by co-operation with backing members
    • B43L1/123—Flexible writing surface or backing

Definitions

  • Luminescent pigments When a luminescent pigment is applied to an opaque surface and light is shine on that surface, the luminescent pigment appears to glow. This optical property o luminescent pigments has been used in a variety of applications, including increasing th visibility of signs at night. Luminescent pigments have also been put to use in displa devices, particularly toys made for children, in this application, a flexible, transparen sheet containing a luminescent pigment is overlaid on an opaque surface. Whe pressure is applied to the transparent sheet, it touches and adheres to the opaqu surface, causing light to be reflected through the transparent sheet at the point of contac between the sheet and the opaque surface. Due to the presence of the luminescen pigment in the transparent sheet, light reflected by the opaque surface makes the shee appear to glow where it contacts the opaque surface. The glowing image may then b erased by lifting the transparent sheet so that it no longer contacts the opaque surface
  • a display device of this type incorporating the use of luminescent pigments is disclose in U.S. Patent No. 3,761 ,343 to Kinberg, et al.
  • a luminescent display and copying device was disclosed in U.S Patent No. 5,083,925 to Maruyama.
  • This device includes a sheet of carbon paper belo a semi-rigid opaque sheet.
  • the opaque sheet is itself positioned just below conventional transparent, pigmented sheet.
  • the pressure applied to that transparent sheet is transferred through the opaqu sheet to the carbon paper.
  • the pressure on the carbon paper then causes a duplicat of the luminescent image created on the transparent sheet to be transferred to a blan sheet of plain paper located below the carbon paper.
  • a copy of the luminescen image traced on the transparent sheet is created on the blank sheet of paper.
  • a further problem with the Maruyama device is that it does not accommodate or even contemplate using different sizes of plain paper to make copies on. In addition, it is incapable of containing more than one sheet of plain paper at a time. This shortcoming in particular makes the Maruyama device more difficult for children to use, since they must open and close the closure frame of the device every time they wish to make a new drawing and a copy of that drawing.
  • the present invention comprises a luminescent display and copying apparatus capable of producing multi-colored copies of a displayed luminescent image.
  • the present invention overcomes the color limitations of the prior art by providing selectively movable carbon paper on a continuous belt having segments of different colors capable of producing copies of a plurality of colors.
  • the present invention comprises a pliable, planar transparent sheet having dispersed therein a luminescent dye or pigment; a pliable, planar opaque sheet; carbon paper having a plurality of segments each of which is capable of producing images of a different color; means for selectively moving the carbon paper; and means for supporting a sheet of plain paper underneath the carbon paper segments.
  • Multi-colored copies can be produced with this embodiment of the present invention without lifting a closure frame or touching the carbon paper, as was necessary with prior art devices. Instead, the color imparted by the carbon paper positioned over a sheet of paper in the apparatus is changed by manipulating controls on the exterior of the apparatus. Such ease of color selection is wholly lacking in prior art display and copier devices, making the present apparatus more suitable as a child's toy.
  • a luminescent display and copying apparatus which includes a means for supporting a sheet of plain paper selected from a plurality of sizes, in addition to providing a pliable, planar transparent sheet, a pliable, planar opaque sheet, and carbon paper.
  • a pliable, planar transparent sheet a pliable, planar opaque sheet
  • carbon paper a pliable, planar opaque sheet
  • both 8 1 /2" x 11 " paper which is standard in the United States
  • A4 paper which is standard in Europe
  • a further embodiment o the present invention therefore comprises a luminescent display and copying apparatu having a pliable, planar transparent sheet, a pliable, planar opaque sheet, carbon paper means for supporting multiple sheets of plain paper, and means for dispensing sheet of paper, one sheet at a time.
  • a luminescent display and copying apparatu having a pliable, planar transparent sheet, a pliable, planar opaque sheet, carbon paper means for supporting multiple sheets of plain paper, and means for dispensing sheet of paper, one sheet at a time.
  • This improvement makes the present display an copying apparatus particularly appropriate for children who might have trouble placin clean sheets of plain paper into the apparatus, since the child's parents can refill th apparatus for the child periodically and let the child make multiple drawings withou interruption. Furthermore, although multiple sheets of paper can be contained in thi embodiment of the present invention, only one sheet is dispensed at a time.
  • the present invention also includes methods of using the foregoing embodiment of the present invention.
  • a method for producing multi-colore copies of a luminescent display. Such multi-colored copies are produced by firs applying pressure to the transparent sheet of one of the foregoing embodiments of th present invention while one segment of carbon paper capable of imparting one color t a sheet of plain paper is positioned over that sheet of plain paper. This will produce a image on the sheet of plain paper of a single color. The carbon paper is then move so that another segment of carbon paper capable of producing images of a second colo is positioned over the plain paper. When pressure is again applied to the display portio of the apparatus, the image produced on the plain paper by this application of pressur will be of the second color.
  • the opaque o transparent sheets can be easily replaced. These sheets tend to wear out more quickl than other parts of the apparatus. They are also more easily torn or punctured Therefore, the transparent and opaque sheets can be removed from the apparatus an replaced by new ones.
  • a means for securing the transparent or opaqu sheets is removed from the damaged sheet, and the damaged sheet is then itsel removed.
  • a replacement transparent or opaque sheet next replaces the damaged sheet and the replacement sheet is secured to the frame or housing, respectively.
  • the present invention further encompasses methods of producing a belt of carbon paper for use in the embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention.
  • standard carbon paper is adhered to a sheet of more rugged carrier paper having two parallel sides and two ends.
  • ink can be directly applied to such a sheet of carrier paper.
  • the ends of the carrier paper in either case are then fastened so that the inked side or the side to which the carbon paper is adhered faces the interior of the belt. A continuous belt of carbon paper is thus produced.
  • a picture drawing toy which toy is characterized in that it includes a main body that is provided with a window member for drawing a picture.
  • the window member includes a protection sheet.
  • the main body includes two supporting rolls for movably supporting a belt shaped carbon sheet.
  • a paper plate is provided between an upper side and lower side of the carbon sheet.
  • the carbon sheet is comprised of a continuous sheet with a plurality of colors along the moving direction.
  • the picture drawing toy is characterized in that it includes a main body that is provided with a window member for drawing a picture.
  • the window member of this aspect of the invention also includes a protection sheet.
  • the main body in this aspect includes a roll shaped carbon sheet and a paper plate underneath said carbon sheet.
  • the carbon sheet of this aspect is comprised of a continuous sheet with a plurality of colors along a takeout direction.
  • the window member of the picture toy of either of the two related aspects can optionally be provided with a frame member thereon which can perform closing and opening movements.
  • the protection sheet can be non-transparent, and said frame member can include a transparent sheet which is provided with fluorescent paint.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the creation of a display on the luminescent display and copying apparatus of the present invention using a stylus.
  • Figure 1a is a perspective view illustrating the creation of a display on the apparatus with the aid of a stencil.
  • Figure 1 b is a cross-sectional view of the transparent sheet, the opaque sheet, the carbon paper, and the plain paper of the present invention when pressure is applied to the transparent sheet with a stylus.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the luminescent display and copyin apparatus dispensing a copy of the display shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame and transparent sheet of th apparatus in the open position.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of the parts of the apparatus inside the housing.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic, cross-sectional view depicting the movement of the bel of carbon paper in the apparatus.
  • Figure 6 is a top view of the contents of the housing of the apparatus with th upper portion of the housing removed.
  • Figure 7 is a top view of the paper tray of the apparatus.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the lower portion of the housing, the pape tray support, and the belt of carbon paper of the apparatus.
  • Figure 8a is a schematic side view similar to that of Figure 8 in which the pape tray support is pivoted so that the belt of carbon paper can be removed.
  • Figure 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the paper tray and housing o the apparatus, depicting the loading of paper in the tray and the insertion of the tray int the apparatus.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of a section of the apparatus comprising the rolle and an enclosed motor and timing device.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the components of the motor and timin device.
  • Figure 12 is a semi-schematic front view showing the motor, selected element of the timing device, and other associated components before the activation of the moto and timing device.
  • Figure 12a is a partial side view of the elements of Figure 12 along line 12a-12a
  • Figure 13 is a semi-schematic front view similar to that of Figure 12 showing th activation of the motor and timing device.
  • Figure 13a is a partial side view of the elements of Figure 13 along line 13a-13a
  • Figure 1 is a semi-schematic front view similar to that of Figure 12 showing th motor, selected elements of the timing device, and other associated components at time after the motor and timing device have been activated and while the motor i running.
  • Figure 14a is a partial side view of the elements of Figure 14 along line 14a-14a Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figures 1-3 illustrate the components of the apparatus 10 of the present invention used to create a luminescent display.
  • the surface on which a display is produced is a planar, transparent sheet of pliable plastic material 12, having dispersed therein a luminescent pigment or dye.
  • the transparent sheet 12 has a smooth lower surface 13 and an upper surface 14 which resists scratches and tears.
  • the transparent sheet 12 is preferably made from a vinyl material, and the pigment or dye used to impart a luminescent coloration to the vinyl is therefore preferably one which mixes well with vinyl.
  • other materials and pigments may be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,938,873, 3,303,168, 3,915,884 and 4,820,760, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for such disclosures.
  • the transparent sheet 12 is placed over a planar, pliable opaque sheet 30 before a display is produced.
  • the opaque sheet 30, which is also preferably made from a vinyl material, has a smooth upper surface 31 which faces the smooth lower surface 13 of the transparent sheet 12.
  • a stylus 120 is applied to the transparent sheet 1 with a stylus 120 so that the smooth lower surface 13 of the transparent sheet 12 contacts and adheres to the smooth upper surface 31 of the opaque sheet 30 at a point 33 ( Figure 1b).
  • Figure 1b Figure 1b
  • the stylus 120 used to apply pressure to the transparent sheet 12 and to create an image 11 preferably has a relatively soft, rounded tip 121 so that the stylus 120 can be drawn across the transparent sheet 12 without damaging it. Since the use of a drawing tool other than the stylus 120 might damage the transparent sheet 12 and the opaque sheet 30, the stylus 120 is preferably stored with the apparatus when the apparatus 10 is not in use. The stylus 120 is thus readily available when the apparatus 10 is to be used.
  • the stylus 120 may be stored by placing it in a retainer attached to the housing 22 such as a retainer well 122.
  • the retainer well 122 is preferably integrally molded into housing 22.
  • the retainer well 122 also preferably includes semi-circular depressions 123 to aid in manually grasping the stylus 120 when a user desires to remove the stylus 120 from the well 122.
  • Tabs 124 for holding the stylus 120 in the well 122 may be included as well.
  • the stylus 120 may be conveniently attached to the housing 22 by means of a tether (not shown) secured to the end of the stylus 120 opposite the tip 121. Such a tether may be conveniently formed of string, coiled plastic or other suitable material.
  • the upper surface 31 of the opaque sheet 30 should be in close proximity t the lower surface 13 of the transparent sheet 12, that is, within approximately on sixteenth inch. The stable adherence of the transparent sheet 12 to the opaque she
  • the displ created by the application of pressure to the transparent sheet 12 should not disappe before a complete image 11 is created.
  • th transparent sheet 12 may be lifted from the opaque sheet 30 so that contact between th lower surface 13 of the transparent sheet 12 and the upper surface 31 of the opaqu sheet 30 is broken.
  • the image 1 the image 1
  • ⁇ irmed on the transparent sheet 12 is erased when a frame 14 secured to the transpare ⁇ .-ieet 12 is lifted.
  • the frame 14 rotates about a hinge 28, lifting th transparent sheet 12 off the opaque sheet 30 and erasing the image as the frame 1 rotates.
  • the rotated frame 14 and transparent sheet 12 no longer contain th image displayed on the apparatus 10 in Figures 1-2.
  • Other forms of separating th sheets 12, 30 are also contemplated by the present invention, such as separating the with a rigid bar (not shown) or with another device passed between the sheets 12, 30
  • the frame 14 can be made from any suitably rigi lightweight material, but is preferably made from ABS plastic.
  • the frame 14 defines aperture 16 which is bounded by lip 17 on the frame 14.
  • the lip 17 extends general perpendicular to the surface of the frame 14.
  • the transparent sheet 12 is stretched taut across the aperture 16 over the lip 17 and is secured to the frame 14.
  • the outer edges of the transparent sheet 12 a preferably removably secured to the underside 23 of the frame 14.
  • the means f removably securing the transparent sheet 12 may take the form of an upper retaini frame 21 and a plurality of fasteners, such as screws 20.
  • the retaining frame 21 generally planar and generally rectangular and has a central aperture large enough to over the lip 17 on the frame 14.
  • the screws 20 preferably extend through the retaini frame 21 into tapped holes (not shown) in the frame 14. Self-tapping screws 20 may be used instead of providing tapped holes in the frame 14.
  • the upper retaining frame 21 and the screws 20 secure the transparent sheet 12 tautly to the underside 22 of the frame 14, by stretching the transparent sheet 12 over the lip 23 surrounding the aperture in the frame 14 so that wrinkles do not form on the transparent sheet 12 when an image is drawn on it.
  • alternative constructions of the retaining frame 21 and screws 20 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • other means of fastening the transparent sheet 12 to the frame 14 may be substituted for the screws 20.
  • the retaining frame 21 need not be a single rectangular piece, but could take the place of four straight pieces, a pair of L-shaped pieces, or other suitable configurations.
  • the transparent sheet 12 may be replaced by removing the screws 20 and the upper retaining frame 21 and removing the damaged transparent sheet.
  • a replacement sheet may then be placed against the underside 23 of the frame 14 across the aperture 16 and over the lip 17 of the frame 14.
  • the replacement transparent sheet may then be secured to the frame 14 by replacing the upper retaining frame 21 over the replacement sheet and screwing the screws 20 into the upper support frame 21 , through the replacement sheet, and into the frame 14. Screwing the retaining frame 21 over the replacement transparent sheet against the underside 23 of the frame 14 acts to stretch the replacement sheet over the lip 23 so that the replacement sheet is stretched taut.
  • the frame 14 is rotatably secured to an upper portion 24 of a housing 22 by means of hinges 28.
  • the housing 22 may be made from any suitably strong and rigid material, but is preferably made from ABS plastic.
  • the lower surface 13 of the transparent sheet 12 faces the upper surface 31 of the opaque sheet 30 and the two sheets 12, 30 are in close and parallel relationship.
  • the transparent sheet 12 is in position to create a display when the frame 14 rests on the upper portion 24 of the housing 22.
  • the frame 14 preferably rotates through an arc of at least 90° on the hinges 28.
  • the frame 14 and plastic sheet 12 When rotated 90° or more, the frame 14 and plastic sheet 12 can rest stably in an open position, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the frame 14 and transparent sheet 12 are more preferably rotatable through an arc of greater than 180° so that the free end 15 of frame 14 may be rotated back to rest on the surface (not shown) supporting the apparatus 10. ln this position, the hinges 28 of the frame 14 are under less stress when the frame 14 is open.
  • the upper surface of the opaque sheet 30 is bounded by a generally planar aperture 33 defined by a lip 36 on the upper portion 24 of the housing 22.
  • the lip 34 extends downward into the housing 22 roughly perpendicular to the plane of the aperture 33.
  • the opaque sheet 30 is stretched taut across the aperture 33 over the lip 36.
  • a lower retaining frame 34 secures the opaque sheet 30 to the underside 25 of the upper portion 24 of the housing 22 by means of a plurality of fasteners, such as screws 32.
  • the screws 32 preferably extend through the lower retaining frame 34 into tapped holes (not shown) in the underside 23 of the upper portion 24 of the housing 22.
  • Self tapping screws may be used instead of providing tapped holes in the underside 23 of the upper portion 24 of the housing 22.
  • the lower retaining frame 34 and screws 22 secure the opaque sheet 30 tautly over the lip (not shown) surrounding the aperture through the housing 22 to the housing 22 so that wrinkles do not form on the opaque sheet 30 when an image is drawn on the transparent sheet 12.
  • Alternative constructions of the lower retaining frame 34 and screws 32 for securing the opaque sheet 30 to the underside 23 of the upper portion 24 of the housing 22 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the opaque sheet 30, like the transparent sheet 12, may become damaged through prolonged use or untimely accident. In the preferred embodiment, therefore, the opaque sheet 30 is removably secured to the housing 22. Should the opaque sheet 30 become damaged, the opaque sheet 30 may be removed from the upper portion 24 o the housing 22 by unscrewing the screws 32 and removing the lower retaining frame 34. After removing the damaged opaque sheet, a replacement opaque sheet 30 may be placed over the lip 36 on underside 25 of the upper portion 24 of the housing 22. The retaining frame 34 may then be replaced against the replacement opaque sheet 30, which may then be secured to the housing 22 by screwing the screws 32 into the lowe retaining frame 34, through the replacement opaque sheet 30, and into tapped holes (no shown) in the upper portion 24 of the housing 22. Screwing the retaining frame 34 to th housing 22 stretches the opaque sheet 30 over the lip (not shown) so that the opaqu sheet 30 is stretched taut.
  • the belt of carbon paper 40 has a plurality o segments 41 on the interior of the belt 40 which contain different colors of inks, thereb forming a multi-colored belt of carbon paper 40.
  • Each of the segments 41 is of a different color and is, therefore, capable of producing images of a different color on a sheet of plain paper 67 positioned underneath a segment of carbon paper 41 and on the interior of the belt of carbon paper 40.
  • the belt of carbon paper 40 has two parallel edges 43, 45 and is preferably made from a durable material constructed to last for the life of the apparatus 10.
  • the belt of carbon paper 40 is made from durable paper, preferrably such as "TYVAC" which is available from duPont, having two parallel edges 43, 45 and forming a generally rectangular planar carrier sheet. Segments of carbon paper capable of imparting images of different colors to a sheet of plain paper 67 may be adhered to one side of the carrier sheet in this embodiment. Alternatively, inks or pigments of different colors can be deposited directly onto one side of the durable paper, such that different segments 41 of the durable paper carry inks of a different color. In both embodiments, the durable paper is then formed into a belt by joining the ends of the paper so that the parallel edges 43, 45 remain parallel and are of equal length.
  • durable paper preferrably such as "TYVAC" which is available from duPont
  • the pigmented side of the durable paper or the side to which the carbon paper is adhered must also be on the interior of the belt 40.
  • Perforations 42 may also be placed at regular intervals along the parallel edges 43, 45 of the paper so that the belt of carbon paper 40 can be readily and positively moved.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment of the belt 40 employs segments 41 of blue, black and red carbon paper.
  • the carbon paper 40 could be placed on rolls (not shown) to allow the carbon paper 40 to be scrolled back and forth, thereby allowing selection of the different colors.
  • This embodiment would also allow ready replacement of the carbon paper rolls.
  • the segments 41 of carbon paper are preferably sized so that each segment 41 can be positioned beneath the opaque sheet 30 and be at least coextensive in area with the display portion of the transparent sheet 12.
  • the color of a segment 41 of the belt of carbon paper 40 may be visually indicated along at least one lateral edge, 43 or 45, of the exterior of the belt of carbon paper 40 by a color strip 47, as shown in Figures 4 and 6.
  • the color strip 47 is divided into segments 35, 37, and 39 that correspond to the segments 41 of the interior of the belt of carbon paper 40 which are capable of producing copies of different colors.
  • the color of a segment 35, 37, 39 of the color strip 47 indicates the color imparted by the segment 41 of the belt of carbon paper 40 onto a sheet of paper 67 when an image 11 is drawn on the transparent sheet 12.
  • the color strip 47 can be seen from the outside of the apparatus 10 through a viewing window 49 in the upper portion 24 of the housing 22, as shown in Figures 1-3.
  • a transparent cover (not shown) is secured to underside 25 of the upper portion 24 of the housing 22 between the color strip 47 and the viewing window 49 so that small objects cannot fall into the housing 22 of the apparatus 10, and so that slender objects cannot be inadvertently placed through the viewing window 49 to damage the belt of carbon paper 40.
  • the viewing window 49 is preferably just wide enough to expose the color strip 47 and extends over the color strip 47 for approximately the length of a segment of the color strip 47. By viewing the color of the segment of the color strip 47 exposed by the viewing window 49, a user of the apparatus can determine what color copy will be made of an image drawn on a portion of the transparent sheet 12.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a means for making multi-colored copies of a displayed image 1 1 which requires a minimum of effort and inconvenience to select the color to be imparted onto a sheet of plain paper 67.
  • a means for making multi-colored copies comprises a means for selectively moving the belt of carbon paper 40 without displacing the transparent or opaque sheets. By rotating the belt of carbon paper 40, a different segment of carbon paper 41 is positioned directly over a sheet of plain paper 67. Thus, copies of different colors can then be produced of an image drawn on the transparent sheet 12.
  • the perforations 42 located on both sides of the carbon paper 40 are engaged by toothed rollers or sprockets 44.
  • the toothed rollers 44 comprise wheels 46 having protruding pins 48 which project radially outwardly from the outer edges of each of the wheels 46.
  • the pins 48 protrude through the perforations 42 as best seen in Figure 5.
  • the pins 48 push against the paper 40 at the edges of the perforations 42 and thereby move the belt of carbon paper 40 in a desired direction.
  • the toothed rollers 44 could be replaced by a friction drive, for example, opposed grit rollers and pinch rollers.
  • the toothed rollers 44 on either side of the carbon paper 40 are joined by a shaft 50 located on the interior of the belt of carbon paper 40, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
  • a shaft 50 located on the interior of the belt of carbon paper 40, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
  • cylindrical passive rollers 51 which help the carbon paper to keep a smooth, uniform shape as it is moved by the toothed rollers 44.
  • the shaft 50 also has an axial projection 54 which extends outwardly from the center of the wheel 46 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 50. This projection 54 rests in the notch 55a so that the shaft 50 is freely rotatable.
  • the projection 54 is secured in the notch 55a by a clip 52, thus securing one end of the shaft 50 in the lower position 24 of the housing 22.
  • the wheels 46 of the toothed rollers 44 on either side of the shaft 50 are of equal diameter, so that rotating the shaft 50 advances both sides of the belt of carbon paper 40 at the same rate.
  • the carbon paper 40 is advanced by rotating a manually actuated knob 57, which is shown in Figure 5.
  • Serrations 60 allow the knob 57 to be more easily turned.
  • the knob 57 is integrally connected to a knob turning gear 58, which has teeth that mesh with teeth on a belt turning gear 59 on the shaft 50.
  • the knob turning gear 58 is also turned, thereby effectuating the rotation of the belt turning gear 59 and the shaft 50.
  • the rotation of the toothed rollers 44 and belt of carbon paper 40 is also effected.
  • Knob 57 is rotatably supported by the upper portion 24 of the housing 22. As shown in Figure 5, the knob 57 extends part way through an aperture 62 in the upper portion 24 of the housing 22 so that the knob 57 can be manually rotated when the housing 22 is closed.
  • the knob 57 can be rotated in either direction by a user in order to adjust the position of a segment 41 of the belt of carbon paper 40 and thereby select a color of choice for the copy of an image drawn on the transparent sheet 12.
  • the belt of carbon paper 40 is stretched taught and held in position by passive rollers 64 located at regular intervals along a shaft 66 on the interior of the belt of carbon paper 40 opposite and parallel to the shaft 50.
  • the shaft 66 has axially outwardly- projecting projections 68, 69 at its opposite ends.
  • projections 68, 69 rest in notches 65a, 65b respectively so that the shaft 66 is freely rotatable.
  • the shaft 66 is held in place on one end by a clip 70 which is secured to the lower portion 26 of the housin 22 and secures projection 68.
  • projection 69 is secure in place by means of another clip (not shown).
  • the carbon paper belt 40 can be readily moved thereby changing the color of the copy produced by the apparatus 10, without having t lift open the transparent sheet 12 or the opaque sheet 30 and without disturbing the plai paper 67 underneath the belt of carbon paper 40.
  • Rotating the knob 57 rotates the bel turning gear 59, causing the shaft 50 and toothed rollers 44 to advance the belt of carbo paper 40 in a desired direction.
  • a different segment 41 of the belt of carbon paper 4 may thereby be positioned directly below the opaque sheet 30 without altering or erasin the image created on the transparent sheet 12.
  • the plain paper 67 below the belt o carbon paper 40 also remains unmoved when the belt of carbon paper 40 is rotated.
  • Figure 5 also illustrates the relative distances between the opaque sheet 30, th carbon paper 40 positioned below the opaque sheet 30, and the sheet of paper 67
  • These elements must be in close proximity, preferably within approximately one sixteent of an inch of each other, in order to produce a copy on the sheet of paper 67 of th image 11 made on the transparent sheet 12.
  • pressure applie to the transparent sheet 12 by the tip 121 of the stylus 120 is transferred to the opaqu sheet 30 and to the carbon paper 40.
  • the carbon paper 40 is caused to defor sufficiently that the carbon paper 40 contacts the sheet of paper 67 at a point 68.
  • a mark is produced on the sheet of paper 67 corresponding to the imag formed on the transparent sheet 12 at the point 33.
  • the transparent shee 12 remains adhered to the plate 30, as described previously.
  • the opaque sheet 30 doe not adhere, at least to a significant extent, to the carbon paper 40.
  • the carbo paper 40 does not adhere, at least to as significant extent, to the sheet of paper 67.
  • Th carbon paper 40 can be moved so that a different segment 41 of the belt of carbon pape 40 is positioned over the sheet of paper 67. Because this segment 41 is capable o imparting a different color to the sheet of paper 67 when pressure is next applied to th transparent sheet 12, a different colored image may be produced on the sheet of pape
  • a means for supporting the sheet of paper 67 below the sheet of paper 67 is a means for supporting the sheet of paper 67.
  • this means also comprises a means for supporting multipl sheets of paper 67 selected from a plurality of sizes.
  • the means for supporting multiple sheets of paper selected from a plurality of sizes is a selectively removable paper tray 80, shown best in Figure 9, made from a suitably rigid material such as ABS plastic.
  • the paper tray 80 is formed with a shallow, planar basin 81 , and is thus able to support multiple sheets of plain paper 67.
  • the tray 80 is also able to support paper of a plurality sizes by means of slidable cassette stops 82.
  • the cassette stops 82 can be adjusted to fit paper of different widths and lengths.
  • the cassette stops 82 are adjustable between 8 1/2" x 11 ", the standard paper size in the U.S., and A4 size, the standard paper size in Europe.
  • the cassette stops 82 help to hold the plain paper 67 in place in the tray 80. This avoids the displacement of the plain paper 67 when the belt of carbon paper 40 is rotated and keeps the plain paper 67 positioned under the drawing surface of the transparent sheet 12.
  • the cassette stops 82 also help to align the edges of the plain paper 67 with the edges of the frame 14 so that the long sides of the paper 67 are roughly parallel to the long sides of the frame 14 and so that the short sides of the paper 67 are roughly parallel to the short sides of the frame 14.
  • a means for visually indicating the presence of a sheet of paper 67 on the tray 80 is provided.
  • this means includes a paper-out window 98 in the upper portion 24 of the housing 22, as shown in Figure 1. If paper is loaded in the tray 80, a small area of that paper can be observed by a user of the apparatus 10 without opening the housing 22 by looking through the paper-out window 98. For example, if white paper is loaded in the tray 80 and the bottom of the tray 80 is colored blue, the presence of the color white in the paper-out window 98 informs the user that there is still paper 67 in the tray 80. If the user sees blue in the paper-out window 98, however, this indicates that there is no paper 67 loaded in the tray 80.
  • the basin 81 of tray 80 is lined with dark-colored paper (not shown) . If a display is then created on the transparent sheet 12 when there is no plain paper 67 in the tray 80, the carbon paper 40 will not mark the basin 81 of the tray 80 but rather the dark-colored paper, which may be replaced.
  • the dark colored paper may also contain instructions on how to use the apparatus 10 or other helpful information.
  • the tray 80 is itself supported and held in position by a tray support 90 and by the housing 22.
  • the tray support 90 includes guide tabs 92 along the long axis of the tray support 90 which limit the travel of the tray 80 along the sho axis of the tray support 90.
  • the movement of the tray 80 along the long axis of the tra support 90 is limited by a backstop 94 of the housing 22, as shown in Figure 9.
  • the tray 80 is removed through an aperture 96 in th housing 22 opposite the backstop 94.
  • the tray 80 is removed when it needs to b refilled with plain paper 67.
  • the guide tabs 92 protect the belt of carbon paper 40 from bein damaged by limiting the travel of the tray 80.
  • the guid tabs 92 also guide the tray 80 as it is inserted so that the tray 80 is aligned correctl beneath the carbon paper 40 and so that the means for ejecting the paper 67 from th apparatus 10 engages an paper 67 in the tray 80.
  • a guide fender 93 also serves to kee the belt of carbon paper 40 from being damaged by the insertion of the paper tray 80 b holding up the lateral edge 45 of the belt of carbon paper 40 near the aperture 96 and during insertion of the tray 80, guiding insertion of the tray 80 into the housing 22.
  • the tray support 90 is secured to the lower portio 26 of the housing 22 by hinges 98.
  • the tray support 90 can be rotated about the hinge 98 in order to allow the belt of carbon paper 40 to be inserted or removed, as durin manufacture or when replacing a spent or damaged belt of carbon paper 40.
  • upper portion 2 of the housing 22 must be opened, as shown in Figure 9.
  • the shafts 50 and 66 mus then be freed from the clips 52 and 70 and removed from the interior of the belt of carbo paper 40.
  • the tra support 90 and the belt of carbon paper 40 surrounding may be rotated into the positio shown in Figure 8a, preferably by 30° or more.
  • the belt of carbon paper 40 may the be pulled outwardly along the long axis of the tray support 90 as indicated in Figure 8a
  • the tray suppor To place a new belt of carbon paper onto the tray support 90, either durin manufacture or after a spent belt of carbon paper 40 has been removed, the tray suppor
  • the tray support 90 and carbon paper 4 may then be rotated downwardly to the lower portion 26 of the housing 22, and the shaft 50 and 66 may then be inserted into the interior of the new belt of carbon paper on eithe side of the short axis of the tray support 90 so that the projections 53, 54 on the shaft 5 fit into the notches or slots 55a and 55b and the projections 68 and 69 on the shaft 66 fit into the notches 65a and 65b.
  • the protruding pins 48 of the toothed rollers 44 on the shaft 50 may then be aligned with the perforations 42 on the belt of carbon paper 40.
  • the projections 53 and 54 on the shaft 50 may then be clipped into place in order to secure the shaft 50 to the lower portion 26 of the housing 22.
  • the projections 68 and 69 on the shaft 66 are also clipped into place in order to secure that shaft to the lower portion 26 of the housing 22.
  • the color of the copy on the sheet of paper 67 will depend on the segment of the belt of carbon paper 40 positioned directly over the plain paper 67. If one segment is positioned over the plain paper 67 during the production of an image on the transparent sheet 12, an image of a single color will be produced on the plain paper. Multi-colored images, however, may also be produced.
  • the segment 41 of the belt of carbon paper 40 directly over the sheet of plain paper 67 is changed by actuating the knob 57.
  • the belt of carbon paper 40 is selectively moved until the color strip 47 in the viewing window 43 indicates that a different segment 41 of carbon paper 40 is positioned directly over the sheet of paper 67 in the apparatus 10 so that copies of another desired color may be produced.
  • pressure is applied over a second portion of the transparent sheet 12. This produces another luminescent image over this second portion of the transparent sheet 12 and a copy of a second color on the sheet of plain paper 67.
  • Standardized images of one or more colors can be produced with the aid of planar stencil 124.
  • the stencil 124 is normally placed over the transparent shee 12, as shown in Figure 1a.
  • An image may then be traced on the transparent sheet 1 by tracing the outlines of the stencil 124 with the stylus 120.
  • a copy of this standardize image is reproduced on the plain paper 67 below the opaque sheet 30, and -copies of plurality of colors can be produced by the method discussed above.
  • th stencil 124 may be placed between the transparent sheet 12 and the opaque sheet 30
  • the apparatus of the present invention also includes means for selectively ejectin sheets of plain paper 67 from the housing 22 of the apparatus 10.
  • the apparatus ejects only one sheet o plain paper 67 at a time even when multiple sheets are stored in the tray 80.
  • the means for ejecting one sheet at a time is a powered selectively rotatable roller 100 mounted in the housing 22.
  • the roller 100 comprises a generally cylindrical axle 102 with a rubber friction roller 10 for frictionally gripping a sheet of paper 67.
  • the axle 100 and friction roller 104 are urge downwardly toward the plain paper 67 on the tray 80 by springs 106.
  • the tray 80 has provided thereon a pressure bar 84 whic urges the multiple sheets of plain paper 67 in the tray 80 upwardly toward, and int engagement with, the friction roller 104.
  • the T-shape pressure bar 84 is made from the same material as the tray 80 and is somewhat elastic
  • the bar 84 is secured to the underside of the tray 80 by means o a screw 83 or other fastener, and a portion of the bar 84 extends through an aperture 8 in the paper tray 80 to a point slightly above the planar basin 81.
  • the pressure bar 8 may be replaced with a conventional pinch roller or other alternative means of urging th paper 67 against the friction roller 104.
  • the axle 102 an friction roller 104 are rotated by means of an electric motor 1 10.
  • the motor 110 powere by one or more batteries 175, is activated by the manual depression of a button 1 12.
  • a preferred embodiment contemplates surrounding the button 11 with a raised ridge 113 which acts to minimize accidental activation of the motor 110 o damage to the button 112.
  • a light source 115 is activated while the motor 110 i activated to visually indicate operation of the motor 1 10 and consequent ejection of th paper 67.
  • the light source 115 takes the form of a light-emitting diode within a red housing.
  • the light source 115 may either be replaced with or augmented with a buzzer (not shown). The buzzer would provide an audible indication of operation of the motor 110 and consequent ejection of the paper 67.
  • a timing mechanism 114 is activated which runs the motor 110 for a predetermined period of time.
  • the period of time must be long enough to at least partially eject the topmost sheet of paper on the tray 80, but not so long that the sheet of paper below it is also partially or fully ejected.
  • the period of time should be selected to adequately eject a single sheet of paper of whatever sizes are contemplated to be used.
  • the time period is selected to allow ejection of a single A4 sheet, but not multiple sheets of 8 1 /2" X 11 " paper.
  • timing mechanism 114 The configuration and operation of the timing mechanism 114 as well as the configuration and operation of the components associated with the timing mechanism 114 are described in detail below with reference to Figures 10-14a.
  • the motor 110 and the timing mechanism 114 are contained within an enclosure 116, from which the button 112 and the light 115 protrude.
  • the motor 110 is in mechanical communication with the axle 102 so that the motor 110 drives rotation of the roller 100.
  • the timing mechanism is in electrical communication with the light 115 and regulates the period of time that the diode 115 is illuminated, so that the light 115 is illuminated as long as the motor 110 is activated.
  • the timing mechanism 114 is also in electrical communication with the motor 110 and regulates the number of rotations that the roller 100 undergoes each time the button 112 is depressed.
  • Figure 11 shows the components inside the enclosure 116, which generally consists of two main mechanisms.
  • the first mechanism is a power transmission system
  • the second main mechanism is a timing mechanism 114.
  • the power transmission system 130 includes a worm gear 133 affixed at the top of the motor 110 about a shaft 134.
  • the worm gear 133 is mechanically coupled to a straight-toothed gear 135, which is fixed about a shaft 136.
  • a second worm gear 138 which is mechanically coupled to a second straight-toothed gear 140.
  • the straight-toothed gear 140 is attached to the axle 102 to complete the power transmission system 130.
  • each worm gear causes a reduction in speed. This has been found to be quite advantageous in the present application, since the motor 110 generally causes the worm gear 133 to spin at a ver high rotational velocity which exceeds the rotational velocity typically desired for turnin the roller 100. Hence, the relatively fast rotation of the motor 110 is reduced to relativel slow rotation of the axle 102 and friction roller 104. It will also be apparent that othe forms of gear trains may be substituted for that shown.
  • the timing mechanism 114 comprises a straight gear 144 which is mechanicall coupled to the straight gear 140, and is fixed about a shaft 146.
  • a circular plate or ca 150 is also fixed about the shaft 146.
  • a portion of the cam 150 is removed so that pie-shaped gap 155 is formed within the cam 150.
  • a pair of conducting strips 160 ar located proximate to the cam 150.
  • the conducting strips 160 constitute the terminals o a switch 165, which is in electrical connection with the power source of the motor 110 completing the timing mechanism 114.
  • the operation of the timing mechanism 114 and the power transmission syste 130 is best described with reference to Figures 11-14a.
  • the button 112 is mounted o post 132 so that it can freely move up and down.
  • a spring 170 shown in phantom i
  • Figure 12 and 12a within the button 112 and on the post 132 urges the button 11 upward. Extending downwardly at an angle from the button 112 is a prong 131 , whic points toward the terminal strips 160 extending from switch 165.
  • the terminal strips 160 Before activation of the motor 110, the terminal strips 160 extend parallel from th switch 156 so that they do not contact each other, thereby forming an open circuit so tha electricity is not conducted through the strips 160.
  • the outer terminal strip 160 lies withi the plane of the cam 150 and is positioned within the gap 155. Because the termina strips form 160 form an open circuit while spaced apart, the motor 110 remains inactive
  • connection of the strips 160 causes electrical curren to flow through the switch 165 so that the motor 110 and the light 115 both receiv current from the battery 175, completing the circuit.
  • the motor 110 receives curren from the battery 175, the shaft 134 begins to rotate, and, along with it, worm gear 133.
  • the rotation of the worm gear 133 causes the straight-toothed gear 135 to rotat as well.
  • the rotation of the straight-toothed gear 135 is transmitted to the worm gear 13 by means of the shaft 136.
  • the rotation of the worm gear 138 causes th straight-toothed gear 140 to rotate, albeit at a rotational velocity less than that of the worm gear 138.
  • the rotation of the straight-toothed gear 140 brings about two results. First, because the gear 140 is attached to the axle 102, the roller 100 is caused to rotate at the same rotational velocity as the gear 140. Thus, a sheet of paper in contact with the pad 104 will be dispensed from the copying apparatus at a rate determined by the rotational velocity of the gear 140.
  • the straight-toothed gear 144 is coupled to the straight-toothed gear 140, the straight-toothed gear 144 will rotate at a velocity dependent upon the gear ratio between the gear 140 and the gear 144. The rotation of the gear 144 will be transmitted to the cam 150 via the shaft 146, so that the position of the pie-shaped gap 155 is changed, as shown in Figure 13.
  • the gap 155 returns to its original position adjacent to the terminal strips 160.
  • the strips 160 return to their original spaced parallel position and contact is broken between the terminal strips 160. This causes the flow of current to cease, so that the light 115 and the motor 110 become inactive.
  • the motion of the roller 100 also halts so that paper is no longer ejected from the apparatus. From the foregoing description it can be seen that the timing mechanism 114 permits the roller 100 to rotate during the time that it takes the cam 150 to complete one rotation.
  • the number of complete rotations of the roller 100 is always constant for each rotation of the cam 150. in fact, the ratio between the number of rotations of the roller 100 and the number of rotations of the cam 150 is equal to the gear ratio between the gear 140 and the gear 144.

Landscapes

  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

Procédé et appareil (10) permettant d'obtenir un affichage luminescent par application d'une pression sur une feuille plane transparente (12) contenant un pigment ou un colorant luminescent. Il suffit d'appliquer une pression sur la feuille pour qu'une surface lisse (13) de la feuille transparente rentre en contact avec une surface lisse en regard (31) d'une feuille plane opaque (430) afin de copier l'image par positionnement d'une feuille en papier carbone (40) entre la feuille opaque et une feuille de papier courant (67). En effet, l'application d'une pression sur la feuille transparente entraîne l'application d'une pression, par l'intermédiaire du papier carbone, sur la feuille de papier courant, permettant ainsi la reproduction d'une image, affichée sur la feuille transparente, sur la feuille de papier courant. Le papier carbone peut être déplacé sélectivement pour permettre aux segments (41) de papier carbone qui produisent les images de couleurs différentes de se positionner entre la feuille opaque et la feuille de papier courant pendant la réalisation d'une image. L'appareil permet d'utiliser des dimensions différentes et des feuilles multiples de papier.
PCT/US1993/000745 1992-01-27 1993-01-27 Appareil de copie et d'affichage luminescent et procede d'utilisation d'un tel appareil WO1993014943A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP007779U JPH0562298U (ja) 1992-01-27 1992-01-27 絵描き玩具
JP4/7779 1992-01-27
US07/936,943 US5324202A (en) 1992-01-27 1992-08-27 Luminescent display and copying apparatus and method for using same
US07/936,943 1992-08-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993014943A1 true WO1993014943A1 (fr) 1993-08-05

Family

ID=26342139

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1993/000745 WO1993014943A1 (fr) 1992-01-27 1993-01-27 Appareil de copie et d'affichage luminescent et procede d'utilisation d'un tel appareil

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3596193A (fr)
WO (1) WO1993014943A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7241021B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2007-07-10 Avery Dennison Corporation Emergency information lighting system
US20100052937A1 (en) * 2008-09-01 2010-03-04 Smk Corporation Remote control transmitting device
US8250794B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2012-08-28 Avery Dennison Corporation Emergency information sign

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1556499A (en) * 1924-06-09 1925-10-06 Deutsch Hermann Recording device
US2596890A (en) * 1948-08-13 1952-05-13 George W Dechert Writing pad for temporary notatins
US4761139A (en) * 1985-06-18 1988-08-02 Gideon Mashiach Drawing board type amusement device
US5083925A (en) * 1989-12-25 1992-01-28 Yonezawa Corporation Copying apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1556499A (en) * 1924-06-09 1925-10-06 Deutsch Hermann Recording device
US2596890A (en) * 1948-08-13 1952-05-13 George W Dechert Writing pad for temporary notatins
US4761139A (en) * 1985-06-18 1988-08-02 Gideon Mashiach Drawing board type amusement device
US5083925A (en) * 1989-12-25 1992-01-28 Yonezawa Corporation Copying apparatus

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7241021B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2007-07-10 Avery Dennison Corporation Emergency information lighting system
US8250794B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2012-08-28 Avery Dennison Corporation Emergency information sign
US20100052937A1 (en) * 2008-09-01 2010-03-04 Smk Corporation Remote control transmitting device
US8138942B2 (en) * 2008-09-01 2012-03-20 Smk Corporation Remote control transmitting device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3596193A (en) 1993-09-01

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