Coating film transfer tool

A coating film transfer tool having such a construction as to allow the user to use with a writing tool-like feeling, whether in vertical pulling or in lateral pulling, depending on the user's manner of holding a writing tool. A coating film transfer head is adjustable in angle about its axial line, and by adjusting the head angle according to the application of the user or depending on the user's manner of holding a writing tool, the user can grip the case like holding a writing tool, and press a coating film transfer tape tightly onto the sheet surface or the like by the front end pressing part of the head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a coating film transfer tool for 
transferring a coating film such as a corrective paint layer and an 
adhesive layer on a coating film transfer tape onto a paper surface or the 
like, and more particularly to a coating film transfer tool allowing the 
individual users to take a position of use freely depending on the own 
manner of holding the pencil or other writing implement in the transfer 
operation of the coating film. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
As examples of this kind of coating film transfer tool, we proposed coating 
film transfer tools disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 5-58097 and 
Japanese Laid-open Utility Model No. 5-13800. 
These coating film transfer tools are mainly used as erasing tools for 
correcting errors or the like, and comprise, as shown respectively in FIG. 
23 and FIG. 24, a pay-out reel (c) with a coating film transfer tape (b) 
wound thereabout, and a winding reel (d) for collecting the coating film 
transfer tape (b) after use, rotatably provided in a case (a) that is held 
and manipulated by hand. The case (a) has a coating film transfer head (f) 
for pressing the coating film transfer tape (b) against a transfer area 
(correction area on paper) (e), projecting from a front end thereof. The 
coating film transfer tape (b) paid out of the pay-out reel (c) is wound 
on the winding reel (d) through a pressing part (g) in the front end of 
the head (f). 
Herein, the case (a) is formed in a flat box-like shape, having contour 
shape and size and width size sufficient for containing the pay-out reel 
(c) and winding reel (d) therein, and the flat front and back surfaces of 
the case (a), that is, the front and back surfaces relative to the sheet 
surface of FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are gripping surfaces to be held by hand 
when manipulating. 
In the former example, as shown in FIG. 23, it is constituted so that the 
pressing part (g) of the head (f) may guide the coating film transfer tape 
(b) in a same attitude as it is wound about the pay-out reel (c) and 
winding reel (d), and it is a so-called vertical pulling applicable 
structure suited to correction of part of vertically written sentence such 
as a Japanese text. That is, when using, the user grips the gripping 
surfaces (front and back surfaces) of the case (a) by fingers, and presses 
the coating film transfer tape (b) tightly to the correction area (e) by 
the pressing part (g) of the head (f) as shown in the drawing, and moves 
the case (a) in the vertical direction, that is, in the downward direction 
(arrow direction in FIG. 23) relative to the sheet surface or the like. As 
a result, the corrective paint layer of the coating film transfer tape (b) 
in the pressing part (g) of the head (f) is applied onto the correction 
area (e) and the character or the like is covered and erased, while the 
coating film transfer tape (b) after use is collected on the winding reel 
(d). 
In the latter example, on the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24, it is 
constituted so that the pressing part (g) of the head (f) may guide the 
coating film transfer tape (b) to be nearly opposite to the gripping 
surfaces of the case (a), and it is a so-called lateral pulling applicable 
structure suited to correction of part of laterally written sentence such 
as an alphabetic text. That is, when using, the user grips the gripping 
surfaces of the case (a) by fingers, presses the coating film transfer 
tape (b) tightly onto the correction area (e) by the pressing part (g) of 
the head (f), and moves the case (a) in the sideways direction, that is, 
in the lateral direction relative to the sheet surface or the like (the 
vertical direction relative to the sheet surface of FIG. 24), thereby 
erasing the character or the like in the same manner as above. 
In either constitution, however, it is possible to use with a writing 
tool-like feeling in either vertical pulling use or lateral pulling use, 
but a very irrational position was required in the other use. 
Moreover, each user has his or her own manner of holding a writing tool, 
and the structure assuming an ideal and identical writing tool position as 
mentioned above could not realize the use with a writing tool-like feeling 
in all users. 
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is hence a primary object of the invention to provide a novel coating 
film transfer tool eliminating the conventional problems. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a coating film transfer 
tool allowing individual users to take a position of use freely depending 
on the manner of holding a pencil or other writing tool, and being usable 
with a writing tool-like feeling whether in vertical pulling or in lateral 
pulling. 
It is a different object of the invention to provide a coating film 
transfer tool in which a coating film transfer head rotates freely about 
its axis, following in the direction of action of force, and its angle in 
the rotating direction is properly adjusted, so that a coating film 
transfer tape is always kept in tight contact on a transfer area by a 
pressing part of the head. 
It is another different object of the invention to provide a coating film 
transfer tool capable of transferring a coating film transfer tape whether 
in linear form or in curved form, or in a continuous form of both. 
In a constitution of the coating film transfer tool of the invention, a 
pay-out reel with a coating film transfer tape wound thereabout, and a 
winding reel for collecting the coating film transfer tape after use are 
rotatably provided in a case that can be held and manipulated by hand, a 
coating film transfer head for pressing the coating film transfer tape on 
a transfer area is projected from the front end of the case, and the 
coating film transfer tape paid out from the pay-out reel is wound on the 
winding reel through the front end pressing part of the head, while the 
head is adjustable in angle about its axial line. Preferably, the head has 
its pressing part adjustable in angle in plural steps, between the angle 
for guiding the coating film transfer tape in a same attitude as it is 
wound about the pay-out reel and winding reel, and the angle for guiding 
the coating film transfer tape nearly opposite to the gripping surfaces of 
the case, or the head is rotatable freely. 
When using the coating film transfer tool of the invention as an erasing 
tool for correcting a wrong letter or the like, the pressing part of the 
head is fitted to a starting end of a transfer area to be corrected of 
error, and the case is moved in this state along the transfer area, and is 
stopped at a terminal end of the transfer area. As a result, a corrective 
paint layer of the coating film transfer tape in the pressing part of the 
head is peeled off a base film and is transferred on the transfer area, 
and the error is covered and erased, while the base tape on which only a 
peeling agent layer is left over after use is collected on the winding 
reel either automatically or manually. 
In this case, since the head is adjustable in angle about its axial line, 
the user can adjust the head angle, depending on the application and the 
own manner of holding a writing tool, and can press the coating film 
transfer tape tightly on the sheet surface or the like by the pressing 
part of the head, by gripping the case itself with a writing tool-like 
feeling, so that it is very easy to use. 
Moreover, when the head is structured so as to be freely rotatable about 
its axial line, the head rotates freely following the direction of force 
of action, and its angle is properly adjusted, and therefore the coating 
film transfer tape is always pressed tightly on the transfer area by the 
pressing part of the head, and is transferred whether in linear form or in 
curved form, or in a continuous form of both. 
Herein, that the coating film transfer tape is "nearly opposite to the 
griping surfaces of the case" means that the front and back sides of the 
coating film transfer tape nearly confront the gripping surfaces of the 
case, or in other words the front and back sides of the coating film 
transfer tape are directed nearly in the same direction as the gripping 
surfaces of the case, and it is meant the same throughout the 
specification. 
The above and other objects and features relating to the invention will be 
better understood by reading the detailed description taken in conjunction 
with the accompanying drawings and novel facts disclosed in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Embodiments of the invention are described below by referring to the 
drawings. 
FIG. 1 through FIG. 22 show coating film transfer tools according to the 
invention, in which same reference numerals refer to identical constituent 
components or elements. 
Embodiment 1 
A coating film transfer tool according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 
through FIG. 5, and this coating film transfer tool 1 is specifically used 
as an erasing tool for correcting a wrong letter or the like, and a 
coating film transfer tape T as a consumable piece is provided in an 
exchangeable cartridge type or refill type. 
In the coating film transfer tool 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a tape cartridge 
C, a tape drive unit D, a coating film transfer head H, and a rotative 
part R are provided in a hand-held case 2. In this erasing tool 1, the 
head H is adjustable in angle about its axial center, between a vertical 
pulling operation basic position (also coating film transfer tape exchange 
position) X shown in FIG. 2, and a lateral pulling operation basic 
position Y. The individual constituent components are described below. 
I. Case 2: 
The case 2 is, as shown in the drawings, a flat box having a front contour 
shape and dimensions and width capable of accommodating the tape cartridge 
C and tape drive unit D. As described later, flat front and back surfaces 
2a, 2b of this case 2 are gripping surfaces when holding and operating by 
hand. 
This case 2 is a plastic piece formed by injection forming or the like, and 
has a divided structure comprising a case main body 3 and a cap body 4. 
For this purpose, a mating recess 3a is formed in an opening of the case 
main body 3 almost entirely along an inner circumference thereof, and an 
engaging portion 3b is provided in a rear end thereof. A mating rib 4a of 
the cap body 4 is fitted into the mating recess 3a, and a stopper claw 4b 
of the cap body 4 engages with the engaging portion 3b. At front ends of 
the case main body 3 and cap body 4, semicylindrical portions 3c, 4c are 
provided respectively, and these semicylindrical portions 3c, 4c are 
integrated by a cap member 40, which will be described later. 
Thus, in assembling the case 2, firstly, the stopper claw 4b of the cap 
body 4 is engaged with the engaging portion 3b of the case main body 3, 
and then the semicylindrical portions 3c, 4c are combined with each other, 
while the mating rib 4a is fitted into the mating recess 3a. Finally, the 
cap member 40 is fitted into the integrated part (cylindrical front end) 
5. 
II. Tape cartridge C: 
The tape cartridge C comprises a set of a pay-out reel 6 with the coating 
film transfer tape T wound thereabout, and a winding reel 7 for collecting 
the used coating film transfer tape T'. The tape cartridge C is detachably 
attached to a tape drive unit D of the case main body 3. Before 
attachment, not shown, the tape cartridge C is held by a fixing member for 
fixing the reels 6, 7. 
The coating film transfer tape T is structured, for example, as follows. 
That is, although specific structure is not shown, the coating film 
transfer tape T has a release agent layer such as vinyl chloride-vinyl 
acetate copolymer resin and low molecular polyethylene formed on one side 
of a film base (about 25 to 38 .mu.m) of plastics such as polyester film 
and acetate film, or paper, and a white corrective paint layer is formed 
on this release agent layer, and further on this corrective paint film 
layer is formed an adhesive (pressure sensitive adhesive) layer such as 
pressure adhesive polyurethane. As the corrective paint layer, a so-called 
dry type paint is employed that allows writing in a corrected area 
immediately after transfer. 
The pay-out reel 6 and winding reel 7 respectively comprise drum parts 6a, 
7a for winding the coating film transfer tape T on. Tape guide flanges 6b, 
7b are provided at both sides of the drums 6a, 7a, and mounting holes 6c, 
, 7c having toothed engagement part such as serration and spline are 
provided in the diametric center of the drums 6a, 7a. 
III. Tape drive unit D: 
The tape drive unit D is provided in the case main body 3. The tape drive 
unit D comprises mainly a rotating pay-out part 10 for rotating and 
driving the pay-out reel 6, a rotating winding part 11 for rotating and 
driving the winding reel 7, and an interlocking part 12 for interlocking 
these rotating parts 10, 11. 
The rotating pay-out part 10 and rotating winding part 11 comprise 
respectively hollow rotating shaft parts 15, 16, as shown in FIG. (2), and 
flat rotating disks 17, 18 formed integrally. The rotating shaft parts 15, 
16 are rotatably supported on the outer circumference of hollow support 
shafts 19, 20 provided upright in an inner side of the case main body 3. 
At upper ends of these hollow support shafts 19, 20, a stopping part 70 is 
provided as shown in FIG. 7 (a). 
On an outer circumference of the rotating shaft parts 15, 16, as shown in 
FIG. 7 (a), toothed engagement parts 71 such as serration and spline are 
provided respectively corresponding to the toothed engagement parts of the 
mounting holes 6c, 7c of the pay-out reel 6 and winding reel 7. These 
toothed engagement parts 71, 71 are detachably engaged with the mounting 
holes 6c, 7c of the both reels 6, 7 to support, and hence the pay-out reel 
6 and winding reel 7 are detachably attached to the rotating shaft parts 
15, 16 for integral rotation. 
In this case, the rotating disks 17, 18 serve as receptacle support 
surfaces for the pay-out reel 6 and winding reel 7. In association with 
them, a pair of guide pins 21, 22 are provided upright at the inner side 
of the case main body 3 in the vicinity of the mounting position of the 
both reels 6, 7. These guide pins 21, 22 guide the coating film transfer 
tape T. 
The interlocking part 12 is for interlocking the rotating winding part 11 
to the rotating pay-out part 10, and comprises the rotating disks 17, 18 
and slide means 25, as shown in FIG. 6. 
The slide means 25 actually comprises a frictional member such as silicone 
rubber, for example, O-ring, and serves for transferring rotational 
movement between the rotating parts 10, 11, and functioning additionally 
as slide means to synchronize pay-out and winding speeds of the coating 
film transfer tape T in the pay-out reel 6 and winding reel 7. 
The frictional member 25 is attached to an outer circumference of one 
rotating disk 17, and constructed in such manner that it can frictionally 
engage with the outer circumference of the other rotating disk 18. For 
this purpose, anti-slipping ribs 18a, 18a, . . . as shown in FIG. 7 (a) 
are formed on the outer circumference of rotating disk 18 to increase 
frictional resistance to the frictional member 25. The anti-slipping rib 
18a and the frictional member 25 may be arranged in a structural 
relationship contrary to that of the figure. That is, the frictional 
member 25 may be attached to the outer circumference of rotating disk 17 
that is in the driven side, and the anti-slip rib formed on the outer 
circumference of rotating disk 17 that is in the driving side (not shown). 
The ratio of rotation or ratio of outer diameters between the rotating 
disks 17, 18 in the driving and driven sides is appropriately set, 
considering a winding diameter of the coating film transfer tape T in the 
reels 6, 7, so that the coating film transfer tape T can be smoothly paid 
out, and wound. In the embodiment shown, the rotating disk 18 in the 
driven side is set, in diameter, at approximately half of the rotating 
disk 17 in the driving side. 
Accordingly, by pressing action of the coating film transfer head H, as 
will be described later, when a tensile force (in the direction of arrow 
A) applied to the coating film transfer tape T acts as a rotational torque 
to the pay-out reel 6, the pay-out reel 6 and, therefore, the rotating 
disk 17 of rotating pay-out part 10 that is integrated therewith in the 
rotating direction are rotated. The torque effects rotation of the 
rotating disk 18 of rotating winding part 11 in the driven side by means 
of the frictional force of frictional member 25 and, accordingly, 
associated rotation of the winding reel 7 that is integrated with the 
rotating disk 18 in the rotating direction, and the used coating film 
transfer tape T' is automatically wound about the winding reel 7. 
In this case, the ratio of rotation (corresponding to the ratio of outer 
diameter) between the rotating disks 17 and 18 in the driving and driven 
sides is constant at any time, while the ratio of outer diameter between 
the coating film transfer tape T about the pay-out reel 6 and the coating 
film transfer tape T' about the winding reel 7 shows a time-course change, 
and is inconstant. In other words, as the tape is used, the outer diameter 
of the coating film transfer tape T about the pay-out reel 6 is gradually 
reduced, while that of the coating film transfer tape T' about the winding 
reel 7 is increased on the contrary. 
Therefore, the winding speed of winding reel 7 is increased in comparison 
with the pay-out speed of pay-out reel 6 as time elapses, and the 
rotational torque acting to the pay-out reel 6 is gradually increased, 
because the speeds come to be non-synchronized with each other. Then, as 
the rotational torque overcomes the frictional force of frictional member 
25, and the rotating disk 17 in the driving side slips in rotation 
relative to the rotating disk 18 in the driven side, the pay-out speed and 
winding speed are synchronized, and a smooth driving of the coating film 
transfer tape T is assured. 
Incidentally, if the speeds remains in such non-synchronized condition, 
because the coating film transfer tape T is subjected to an excessive 
tensile force, such inconveniences may be caused that the tape T is 
elongated, or broken in the middle in a worst case. 
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the rotating winding part 11 is provided 
with a backstop mechanism 30 for preventing inverse rotation of the reels 
6, 7. The backstop mechanism 30 comprises a stopper claw 30a placed in the 
rotating disk 18 and multiple backstop claws 30b, 30b, . . . provided in 
the form of a ring concentric with the hollow supporting shaft 20 in an 
inner surface of the case main body 3. The stopper claw 30a is oriented 
downward in a form of a thin plate elastically changing in shape in the 
vertical direction to the rotating disk 18. The backstop claws 30b have a 
wedge-like shape in section, as shown in the figure, that is, inclined 
upward in the direction of normal rotation (shown by an arrow) of the 
winding reel 7, and falls approximately vertically from its peak. 
Therefore, when the reels 6, 7 are turned in the direction of arrow, the 
stopper claw 30a is elastically changed in shape, and rides over the 
backstop claws 30b, 30b, . . . to allow the normal rotation. On the 
contrary, when the reels 6, 7 are turned in the direction opposite to that 
of the arrow, the stopper claw 30a is engaged with one of the backstop 
claws 30b, 30b, . . . and prevents the inverse rotation. The backstop 
mechanism 30 may be employed in the rotating pay-out part 10. 
IV. Coating film transfer head H: 
The coating film transfer head H is for pressing the coating film transfer 
tape T against correction area (transfer area) such as an error in a sheet 
surface, and is attached to an inner circumference of the cylindrical 
front end 5 of the case 2 to be rotatable about the axis. 
The head H is made of a plastic material having some degree of elasticity, 
and comprises a head body 35 for guiding and pressing the coating film 
transfer tape T and a bearing part 36 held in the cylindrical front end 5. 
The head body 35 is a thin plate slightly wider than the coating film 
transfer tape T, and is tapered in section such that it is gradually 
reduced in thickness toward its front end, and its front end 35a provides 
a pressing part for applying pressure to the coating film transfer tape T. 
In addition, the head body 35 is provided with guide flanges 35b, 35b in 
both edges thereof for guiding the coating film transfer tape T. The shape 
and structure of the head body 35 may be modified depending on the purpose 
or the like as far as the pressing part 35a has the function of guiding 
and pressing the coating film transfer tape T. 
The bearing part 36 has an arcuate section open in an upper part thereof to 
form a semicylindrical shape, as shown in FIG. 8, and an outer diameter 
set in correspondence with the inner diameter of semicylindrical parts 3c, 
4c of the case 2. Further, an arcuate flange 36a is formed in a base end 
of the bearing part 36 for axial positioning of the head H, and an arcuate 
engagement groove 37 is formed correspondingly in an inner base 
circumference of the semicylindrical parts 3c, 4c, respectively. 
In such manner, the bearing part 36 is axially supported rotatably in the 
inner circumference of semicylindrical parts 3c, 4c, and the arcuate 
flange 36a rotatably engaged with the arcuate engagement grooves 37, 37, 
thus, the head H is positioned axially in the cylindrical front end 5 of 
case 2, and attached rotatably about the axis thereof. 
V. Rotative part R: 
The rotative part R is provided in the cylindrical front end 5 of case 2 
for rotating the head H, and comprises a cap member 40 detachably attached 
to the cylindrical front end 5 and a positioning part 41 placed on the 
outer circumference of cylindrical front end 5. 
The cap member 40 is an integral molding of plastic material, and comprises 
a base part 42 fitted over the cylindrical front end 5 and an engagement 
part 43 integrally engaged with the head H in the rotating direction. 
The base part 42 serves as an assembly fixing member for the case 2 and a 
rotative part as well. The base part 42 has an inner cylindrical diameter 
set in such manner that it is rotatably fitted over the outer 
circumference of cylindrical front end 5, and multiple toothed anti-slip 
ribs are formed on an outer circumference of the base part 42. 
The engagement part 43 is provided with a through hole 44 for receiving the 
head H. The through hole 44, is dimensionally configured such that the cap 
member 40 and head H are integrally engaged with each other in the 
rotating direction, when the head H is inserted. In other words, the 
through hole 44 comprises, as shown in a front view in FIG. 8, an upper 
part 44a dimensionally configured so as to conform to the outer 
circumference of head body 35 of the head H, and a lower part 44b 
dimensionally configured so as to conform to the outer circumference of 
bearing 36 of the head H. 
The positioning part 41 is for resiliently positioning and fixing the cap 
member 40 in position in the rotating direction. The positioning part 41 
is provided on an outer circumference of the cylindrical front end 5, more 
particularly, on an outer circumference of the semicylindrical part 4c in 
the cap body 4. 
The positioning part 41 comprises, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a fit-in 
guide groove 41a extending straight in the axial direction of the 
cylindrical front end 5, and an anchor guide groove 41b extending from an 
end of the fit-in guide groove 41a in the circumferential direction of the 
cylindrical front end 5. In the embodiment shown, the anchor guide groove 
41b is formed in a range of 90 deg. of central angle of the cylindrical 
front end 5, as shown in FIG. 8. In this anchor guide groove 41b, plural 
engagement parts 45 (five engagement parts 45a to 45e in the illustrated 
example) are provided at equal intervals. 
The engagement parts 45a to 45e are formed as hemispherical recesses deeper 
than the guide grooves 41a, 41b. These engagement recesses 45a to 45e are 
disengageably engaged with an engagement projection (engagement part) 46 
that is provided in an inner circumference of the cap member 40. That is, 
the engagement projection 46 is geometrically dimensioned such that the 
engagement projection 46 can be guided along the guide grooves 41a, 41b, 
while they are elastically changed in shape to some relative extent, and 
fitted in the engagement recesses 45a to 45e by elastic restoration. 
The engagement configuration of the engagement projection 46 and engagement 
recesses 45a to 45e is determined as follows. 
That is, when the engagement projection 46 of cap member 40 is in 
engagement with the first engagement recess 45a, the head H is, as shown 
in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the vertical pulling operation basic operation 
(also coating film transfer tape replacement position) X. In such 
condition, the pressing part 35a in the front end of head H guides the 
coating film transfer tape T in a same attitude as it is wound about the 
pay-out reel 6 and winding reel 7, that is, with the front and back 
surfaces of coating film transfer tape T oriented approximately 
perpendicularly (orthogonal) to the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b. 
Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the coating film transfer tape T paid out of the 
pay-out reel 6 is dragged past the pressing part 35a of head H by means of 
the guide pin 21, and wound about the winding reel 7 by means of the guide 
pin 22, while it is kept in that attitude. 
On the other hand, when the engagement projection 46 is in engagement with 
the fifth engagement recess 45e (see FIG. 8), the head H is, as shown in 
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in the lateral pulling operation position Y. In such 
condition, the pressing part 35a of head H guides the coating film 
transfer tape T by positioning it approximately directly faced to the 
gripping surfaces 2a, 2b of case 2, that is, with the front and back 
surfaces of coating film transfer tape T facing to the direction 
approximately same as that of (parallel to) the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b. 
Therefore, the coating film transfer tape T paid out of the pay-out reel 6 
is, as shown in FIG. 5, twisted through an angle of 90 deg. by the guide 
pin 21, then, dragged past the pressing part 35a in the front end of head 
H, untwisted to the original state now by the guide pin 22, and wound 
about the winding reel 7. 
The engagement projection 46 may be also engaged with any one of the second 
to fourth engagement recesses 45b to 45d, so that the head H may have an 
appropriate angle position between the vertical pulling operation basic 
position X and lateral pulling operation basic position Y. 
That is, by rotating the cap member 40, the head H is adjustable in angle 
in five steps between the vertical pulling operation basic position X and 
lateral pulling operation basic position Y. 
The specific structure of the rotative part R is not limited to the 
illustrated example alone. For example, the positioning part 41 may be 
disposed in the semicylindrical part 3c of the case main body 3 also, and 
in such a case, moreover, a new engagement projection is additionaly 
provided in the cap member 40, corresponding to the positioning part 41. 
Operation of the erasing tool 1 constructed in such manner is described 
below. 
A. Operation: 
By rotating the cap member 40 (see FIG. 10 (b)), the head H is selectively 
positioned in one of the five angle positions between the vertical pulling 
operation position X (in which the engagement projection 46 of the cap 
member 40 comes into engagement with the first engagement recess 45a) and 
lateral pulling operation position Y (in which the engagement projection 
46 comes into engagement with the fifth engagement recess 45e), thereby 
allowing to be used in the following manners. 
That is, for so-called vertical pulling use, basically, the head H is 
adjusted in angle to the vertical pulling operation basic position X (see 
FIG. 2). On the other hand, for so-called lateral pulling use, basically, 
the head H is adjusted in angle to the lateral pulling operation basic 
position Y (see FIG. 4). Besides, depending on the user's manner of 
holding a writing tool (in the case of a peculiar personal habit, etc.), 
the head H is adjusted in angle at an appropriate handling position 
between the both basic positions X, Y. 
i) Vertical pulling use: 
This is suitable for partially correcting a sentence vertically written, 
for example, in Japanese. As shown in FIG. 11 (a), the user grips the case 
2 by the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b with fingers like holding a writing 
tool, and, in this state, fits the pressing part 35a in the front end of 
head H to the starting end (upper end) of a correction area (transfer 
area) 50 where an error or the like is present in a sheet. In this state, 
the case 2 is moved vertically or downward in relation to the sheet 
surface (to the arrow direction), and stopped when the pressing part 35a 
in the front end reaches the terminal end (lower end) of the correction 
area 50. 
In such operation, the corrective paint layer (white) of coating film 
transfer tape T in the pressing part 35a of head H is separated from the 
base film, and transferred to cover the correction area 50, the error or 
the like is thereby erased, and a correct letter can be readily written on 
the corrective paint layer. At this time, meanwhile, since the head H 
follows up to a certain extend in the direction of action of force owing 
to its own elastic force, the coating film transfer tape T is pressed 
tightly to the correction area 50 by the front end pressing part 35a of 
the head H. 
ii) Lateral pulling use: 
This is suitable for partially correcting a sentence laterally written, for 
example, in English. As shown in FIG. 11 (b), the user grips the case 2 by 
the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b like holding a writing tool, and, in this 
state, fits the pressing part 35a of the head H to the starting end (left 
end) of a correction area 50, as described above, Then, by moving the case 
2 laterally or rightward in relation to the sheet surface (to the arrow 
direction) until it reaches the terminal end (right end) of the correction 
area, an error or the like is erased, and again a correct letter can be 
readily written. 
iii) Erasing a narrow area: 
When erasing a narrow area, for example, a tiny character or one letter in 
a sentence, the terminal end of the correction area 50 is concealed by the 
head H and is hardly visible, and it is difficult to erase a desired 
character only securely. 
In such a case, the user grips the case upside down of the method of use in 
i) or ii). Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (a) or FIG. 12 (b), by pushing the 
case 2 in the reverse direction (arrow direction), only the desired 
character can be erased without failure. 
B. Replacement of tape cartridges C: 
When the entire length of coating film transfer tape T is used, and wound 
by the winding reel 7 for collection from the pay-out reel 6, the tape 
cartridge C should be replaced with a new one according to the following 
steps. 
i) Bring the head H into the coating film transfer tape replacement 
attitude or the vertical pulling operation basic position X. By such 
operation, the coating film transfer tape T on the head H comes to be 
parallel to the winding attitude of the pay-out and winding reels 6, 7 as 
shown in FIG. 3, so that the coating film transfer tape T can be easily 
detached from the head H. 
ii) Disassemble the case 2 open. In this operation, firstly, pull the cap 
member 40 off the cylindrical front end 5 of case 2, as shown in FIG. 10 
(a), then, with the cap body 4 facing upward, lift the semicylindrical 
part 4c to remove the cap body 4 from the case main body 3. 
iii) Firstly, remove the used cartridge C (empty pay-out reel 6 and winding 
reel 7 with the used coating film transfer tape T' collected thereabout), 
then, place a virgin tape cartridge C (pay-out reel 6 with a new coating 
film transfer tape T and winding reel 7) onto the tape drive unit D, and 
set the coating film transfer tape T through the pressing part 35a in the 
front end of head H. 
In this operation, by maintaining the coating film transfer tape T in such 
attitude as it is wound about the pay-out reel 6 and winding reel 7 as 
shown in FIG. 1, drag vicinities 60a, 60b of the paid-out and wound 
portions through the guide pins 21, 22, and insert front parts 60c, 60d of 
the tape in both sides of the head body 35 of head H from the upper side. 
By such operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the coating film transfer tape T is 
inverted through the pressing part 35a of head H by means of the guide pin 
21, after it is paid out of the pay-out reel 6, and set in such attitude 
as it is wound about the winding reel 7 by the guide pin 22. 
Incidentally, the head H may be once removed from the cylindrical front end 
5, and reattached after the sequential steps are performed. 
iv) Then, the case 2 is closed, and reassembled. Here, the case 2 can be 
assembled by firstly bringing the engagement claw 4b of capping body 4 
into engagement with the engagement part 3b of case main body 3, then, 
mating the semicylindrical part 4c with the semicylindrical part 3c of 
case main body 3 (the mating recess 3a comes into engagement with the 
mating rib 4a, accordingly), and inserting the cap member 40 to fit in the 
integrated cylindrical front end 5, as shown in FIG. 10 (a). 
Embodiment 2 
This embodiment is shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, and it is constructed so 
that the angle position of the head H relative to the case 2 adjustable in 
multiple steps. 
A rotative part R' in this embodiment comprises a pair of engagement 
portions 100, 101 provided in both head H and cylindrical front end 5 of 
the case 2, and a cap member 140 for fixing the positioning of the 
engagement state of these engagement portions 100, 101. 
The engagement portion 100 of the head H is provided in a bearing part 36 
rotatably supported at the cylindrical front end 5. That is, at the front 
end of the bearing part 36, an outward flange 102 is provided integrally, 
and on the back side of this outward flange 102, that is, on the side 
confronting the front end surface of the cylindrical front end 5, the 
engagement portion 100 is formed. On the other hand, the engagement 
portion 101 of the cylindrical front end 5 is provided on its front end 
surface. 
These engagement portions 100, 101 are shaped in triangular concave and 
convex surfaces, formed of slopes alternately inclining in the 
circumferential directions of the both surfaces as shown in FIG. 14 (a) 
and (b). The concave and convex surfaces of these engagement portions 100, 
101 are mutually engaged in the circumferential direction or rotating 
direction, so that the angle position in the circumferential direction of 
the head H relative to the cylindrical front end 5 is positioned. 
That is, by rotating the head H, the engagement position of the engagement 
portion 100 with the engagement portion 101 of the cylindrical front end 5 
is properly adjusted. As a result, the angle position of the head H 
relative to the case 2 can be adjusted not only at the vertical pulling 
operation basic operation (also coating film transfer tape replacement 
position) X shown in FIG. 2 or lateral pulling operation basic position Y 
in FIG. 5, but also in multiple steps between them. The number of steps of 
angle adjustment is determined by the number of concave and convex 
surfaces of the engagement portions 100, 101. 
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15, in relation to the arcuate 
flange 36a of the base end of the bearing part 36, in the cylindrical 
front end 5, that is, in the base inner circumference of the both 
semicylindrical portions 3c, 4c, stopping steps 137 are individually 
formed. As the arcuate flange 36a fits into these stopping steps 137, 137, 
the head H is prevented from slipping out. 
The cap member 140 is a plastic integral part detachably attached to the 
outer circumference of the cylindrical front end 5. The cap member 140 has 
both a function as assembly fixing member of the case 2, and a function of 
engagement fixing member for fixing the engaged state of the engagement 
portions 100, 101. 
The inner diameter of the cap member 140 is set so as to be placed and 
rotatable on the outer circumference of the cylindrical front end 5, and 
multiple toothed anti-slide ribs are formed on the outer circumference of 
the cap member 140. At the front end of the cap member 140, an inward 
flange 105 is provided, and this inward flange 105 is engaged with the 
outward flange 102 of the coating film transfer head H (see FIG. 15). An 
insertion hole 144 is formed from an inner edge of the inward flange 105. 
This insertion hole 144 is for passing the head H, and its shape and 
dimensions are formed in a circular form corresponding to the contour of 
the portion of the head body 35 of the head H. 
On the outer circumference of the cylindrical front end 5, more 
specifically on the outer circumference of the semicylindrical part 4c of 
the cap body 4, a fixing part 141 for engaging and fixing the cap member 
40 is provided. This fixing part 141 comprises, same as the positioning 
part 41 in Embodiment 1 as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, an insertion 
guide groove 141a extending linearly in the axial direction of the 
cylindrical front end 5, and an anchor guide groove 141b extending in the 
circumferential direction of the cylindrical front end 5 from one end of 
the insertion guide groove 141a. 
The forming position of the anchor guide groove 141b is set, as shown in 
FIG. 15, so that the inward flange 105 of the cap member 140 may press the 
outward flange 102 of the head H to the inner side of the axial direction 
until the engagement portion 100 is tightly engaged with the engagement 
portion 101 of the cylindrical front end 5, in the state of the engagement 
projection 145 of the cap member 140 (FIG. 14 (a)) being engaged with the 
anchor guide groove 141b. 
At the terminal end of the anchor guide groove 141b, an engagement portion 
145 (FIG. 14 (b)) is provided. This engagement portion 145 is in a 
hemispherical recess form deeper than the guide grooves 141a, 141b. In 
this engagement recess 145, a hemispherical engagement projection 146 
provided on the inner circumference of the cap member 140 is elastically 
engaged detachably. The shape and dimensions of the engagement recess 145 
and engagement projection 146 are set in the same conditions as the 
engagement recess 45 and engagement projection 46 in Embodiment 1. 
When using thus constituted erasing tool 1, first, the head H is properly 
rotated to adjust the engagement position of the engaging portions 100, 
101, and the head H is positioned at a desired angle position then, the 
cap member 140 is externally fixed on the cylindrical front end 5 (with 
the engagement projection 145 of the cap member 140 being elastically 
engaged with the engagement recess 145 of the anchor guide groove 141b). 
As a result, the engagement portion of the head H is engaged and fixed in 
the cylindrical front end 5 of the case 2, and the head H is positioned 
and fixed at the desired angle position. 
In this embodiment, since the both engagement portions 100, 101 are formed 
annularly over the entire circumference, the angle adjustment range of the 
coating film transfer head H is far wider than 90 deg. in Embodiment 1 
(although actually limited by the twist allowable angle of the coating 
film transfer tape T, theoretically 360 deg.). Hence, not only in the 
vertical pulling use or lateral pulling use mentioned in FIG. 11 (a), (b), 
but also in vertical pulling use or lateral pulling use as in FIG. 12 (a), 
(b), the user can grip the erasing tool 1 without turning the case 2 
upside down as in Embodiment 1. The other constitution and action are same 
as in Embodiment 1. 
Embodiment 3 
This embodiment is shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In this erasing tool 1, 
the structure of the rotative part R' in Embodiment 2 is slightly 
modified, and the engaging and fixing structure of the cap member 140 and 
cylindrical front end 5 is a screw-in structure. 
That is, the cylindrical front end 5 is integrally formed as shown in FIG. 
16, and a male thread portion 241 is provided on the outer circumference 
there of. On the other, in the inner circumference of the cap member 40, a 
female thread portion 246 to be engaged with the male thread portion 241 
is provided. 
Therefore, after adjusting the head H in the desired angle position by 
adjusting the engagement position of the engagement portions 100, 101, the 
cap member 140 is screwed and fixed into the cylindrical front end 5, and 
the both engagement portions 100, 101 are engaged and fixed with each 
other, and the head H is positioned and fixed at the desired angle 
position. The other constitution and action are same as in Embodiment 2. 
Embodiment 4 
Although this embodiment is not shown in the drawing, in this erasing tool 
1, the both engagement portions 100, 101 in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 
are formed on mutually confronting flat planes, and the angle position of 
the head H to the case 2 is adjustable steplessly. The other constitution 
and action are same as in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3. 
Embodiment 5 
This embodiment is shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. In this erasing tool 1, 
the head H is freely rotatable, and its angle position varies freely 
relatively to the case 2 depending on the force of action, and 
specifically the structure of the rotative part R in Embodiment 1 is 
slightly modified. 
That is, the cap member 40 detachably mounted on the cylindrical front end 
5 of the case 2 has only the function as assembly fixing member of the 
case 2. In an insertion hole 344 provided at the fitting portion 43 of the 
cap member 40, same as in the insertion hole 144 in Embodiment 2 or 3, the 
head H can be inserted, and this head H is formed in a rotatable circular 
form. A positioning part 41 provided on the outer circumference of the 
cylindrical front end 5 is to be engaged and fixed with the cap member 40, 
and therefore the engagements 45a to 45e of the anchor guide groove 41b in 
Embodiment 1 are omitted. 
When using thus constituted erasing tool 1, the user grips the case 2 by 
the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b with fingers as if holding a writing tool, 
and fits the pressing part 35a of the head H to the starting end of a 
correction area 50 on the surface of a sheet of paper for correcting a 
wrong letter or the like, as shown in FIG. 11 of FIG. 12, and moves the 
case 2 as it is toward the terminal end of the correction area 50. 
At this time, the head H follows the direction of action of the force, and 
rotates freely about its axial center, and its angle position is properly 
adjusted. Accordingly, the coating film transfer tape T is always pressed 
tightly onto the correction area 50 by the pressing part 35a of the head 
H, and the wrong letter or the like is erased securely. In this structure 
allowing the head H to rotate freely by following in the direction of 
action of the force, it is possible to correct not only a linear portion 
such as an array of characters, but also a curved portion such as a 
graphic pattern. 
Embodiment 6 
This embodiment is shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. In this erasing tool 1, 
same as in Embodiment 5, the head H rotates freely, and its angle position 
changes freely relative to the case 2 depending on the force of action. 
In this erasing tool 1, the shape and dimensions of the case 2 are set so 
as to enhance the peculiar function of Embodiment 5, that is, the function 
of correcting a curved portion of graphic pattern or the like, aside from 
a linear portion such as an array of characters. 
That is, the case 2 has a slender front contour shape as compared with the 
foregoing embodiments as shown in FIG. 20. Accordingly, the user can hold 
and manipulate the erasing tool 1 as if holding a pencil or other better 
writing tool, with a better writing tool-like feeling than that of the 
foregoing embodiments. Corresponding to this, the tape cartridge C and 
tape drive unit D incorporated in the case 2 are reduced in size. 
In thus constituted erasing tool 1, depending on the manner of holding the 
writing tool by individual users, a holding method as shown in either FIG. 
21 (a) or FIG. 21 (b) is possible. Moreover, according to this erasing 
tool 1, as shown in the drawing, for example, a curved portion such as 
graphic figure can be corrected securely along the curve. The other 
constitution and action are same as in Embodiment 5. 
In the foregoing Embodiments 1 to 6, for example as the coating film 
transfer tape T, by using a structure of forming an adhesive layer through 
a release agent layer on one side of a film base material, it may be also 
used as a gluing tool to transfer only the adhesive layer on the sheet 
surface or the like. 
As the interlocking part 12, incidentally, instead of the structure shown 
in FIG. 6, a structure as shown in FIG. 22 (a) or FIG. 22 (b) may be also 
employed. 
That is, the interlocking part 12 shown in FIG. 22 (a) comprises rotating 
disks 17, 18 composing part of the rotating winding part 11 and rotating 
pay-off part 10 respectively, and a frictional wheel 75. In the frictional 
wheel 75, specifically, at least the outer circumference is formed of a 
frictional material such as silicone rubber. The frictional wheel 75 is 
rotatably provided at the inner side of the case main body 3 between the 
both rotating disks 17, 18, and the outer circumference there of is 
frictionally engaged with the outer circumference of the rotating disks 
17, 18 respectively. 
On the other hand, the interlocking part 12 shown in FIG. 22 (b) comprises 
the rotating disk 17, a rotation transmitting part 80 concentrically 
provided at the lower side of the rotating disk 18, and an endless belt 
85. This endless belt 85 is specifically formed of soft plastic such as 
silicone rubber, and is wound on so as to frictionally contact with the 
outer circumference of the both rotating disk 17 and rotation transmitting 
part 80. 
Furthermore, the interlocking part 12 in all illustrated examples is 
structured to have both a rotation transmitting function and a sliding 
function, but the two functions may be provided separately and 
independently as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Utility Model No. 5-13800 
or Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 5-58097. 
All embodiments illustrated so far relate to the automatic winding type in 
which the winding reel 7 cooperates with the pay-out reel 6, but the 
invention may be also applied in the-coating film transfer tool of manual 
winding type of the winding reel 7 having a separate manual winding dial. 
Moreover, the invention may be also applied in the disposable type having 
no structure for replacing the coating film transfer tape T, aside from 
the cartridge type or refill type shown in the illustrated embodiments. 
According to the invention, as mentioned above, since the coating film 
transfer head for pressing the coating film transfer tape onto the 
transfer area is adjustable in angle about its axial line, the user can 
adjust the angle of the head depending on the application or the own 
manner of holding the writing tool. Therefore, whether the user has a 
peculiar personal habit of holding a writing tool or not, whether in 
vertical pulling use or in lateral pulling use, all users can grip the 
case of the coating film transfer tool with a writing tool-like feeling, 
and press the coating film transfer tape tightly onto the sheet surface or 
the like by the pressing part of the head, so that the ease of operation 
is excellent. 
In addition, since the head is free to rotate about its axial line, the 
head rotates freely by following the direction of action of force, and its 
angle is properly adjusted. As a result, the coating film transfer tape is 
always pressed tightly onto the transfer area by the pressing part of the 
head. What is more, when the head is structured to rotate freely by 
following the direction of action of force, not only the linear portion of 
an array of characters but also the curved portion of a graphic pattern 
can be corrected securely. 
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing 
from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present 
embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative 
and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the 
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes 
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are 
therefore intended to be embraced therein.