Patent Publication Number: US-2023150076-A1

Title: Tag holding cassette assembly for use in engraving machines

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates generally to engraving of tags, such as pet identification tags, and more particularly, to cassette assemblies for holding tags during the engraving process. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Self-service pet tag marking kiosks are known. Such kiosks may be located near a display of pet tag options, where each pet tag is held in a cassette. The cassette holds and displays the tag, and displays information regarding the tag, as well as a scannable purchasing and identification code, such as a bar code. A consumer desiring to engrave a tag selects a pet tag cassette, purchases the cassette at a point-of-sale, and is provided with an access code that enable the consumer to utilize the pet marking kiosk to mark the tag (e.g., with pet name and owner contact information). At the kiosk, the consumer inputs the access code at the kiosk, scans the cassette identification code at the kiosk, inserts the cassette into a kiosk slot and uses a kiosk interface to enter the information to be marked on the tag. The kiosk moves the cassette into a marking position, marks the tag and then outputs the cassette to the consumer. The consumer can then remove the tag from the cassette for attachment to a pet collar. 
     The cassettes are a consumable item that can be costly for the pet tag manufacturer/seller. One known cassette configuration is shown in  FIG.  33    and includes a cassette body formed by a cassette lid  210  and a cassette base  212 . A paper insert  214  is provided. The pet tag  216  seats in a recess  218  of the cassette base, and an attachment ring  220  seats in a corresponding recess  222 . The paper insert  214  is placed atop the cassette base and the cassette lid  210  is pivotably connected to the base  212  by lid hinge pins  224  that engage in hinge slots  226  of the base. Windows  228 ,  230  in the lid and base provide machine access to both sides of the tag for marking while the tag is retained in the cassette. The cassette lid  210  may be of clear plastic to enable viewing of information printed on the top side of the paper insert  214 , and the cassette base includes an additional window  232  to enable scanning of an identification bar code printed on the bottom side of the paper insert  214 . When the cassette lid  10  is closed against the cassette base, retaining structure  234  at the window  228  presses against the tag  216  to help fix and stabilize the tag in the cassette. Other two-piece cassette body configurations that sandwich the pet tag are also known. 
     It would be desirable to provide a pet tag cassette assembly that is simpler and less expensive. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a single piece cassette body is provided for selective use in holding either a first tag or a second tag during engraving in an engraving machine, wherein the first tag has a first peripheral shape and the second tag has a second peripheral shape that is different than the first peripheral shape. The cassette body includes a first major side and a second major side and a periphery formed by minor edges and a tag capture space internally of the first major side, the second major side and the minor edges of the cassette body. The first major side of the cassette body includes a first tag access opening through which tag engraving can be performed, the second major side including a second tag access opening through which tag engraving can be performed. The first tag access opening is defined, at least in part, by first tag engaging structure of the first major side, the second tag access opening defined, at least in part, by second tag engaging structure of the second major side. The first tag engaging structure is shaped and positioned such that both (i) at least some portions of the first tag engaging structure will contact peripheral portions of the first tag when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body and (ii) at least some portions of the first tag engaging structure will contact peripheral portions of the second tag when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body. The second tag engaging structure is shaped and positioned such that both (i) at least some portions of the second tag engaging structure will contact peripheral portions of the first tag when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body and (ii) at least some portions of the second tag engaging structure will contact peripheral portions of the second tag when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body. 
     In another aspect, a method of producing pet tag cassette assemblies, involves: utilizing a supply of cassettes of a first configuration and a supply of cassettes of a second configuration; loading tags of a first peripheral configuration, located within an associated framing panel having a tag holding opening of a first configuration, into cassettes of the first configuration; loading tags of a second peripheral configuration, located within an associated framing panel having a tag holding opening of a second configuration, into cassettes of the first configuration; loading tags of a third peripheral configuration, located within an associated framing panel having a tag holding opening of a third configuration, into cassettes of the second configuration; and loading tags of a fourth peripheral configuration, located within an associated framing panel having a tag opening of a fourth configuration, into cassettes of the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, a tag cassette assembly is provided for use in connection with an engraving process carried out in an engraving machine. The assembly includes a single piece cassette body of plastic material, the cassette body including a first major side and a second major side and a periphery formed by minor edges; a tag secured in a capture space of the cassette body; wherein the first major side is configured to provide access to a first side of the tag to facilitate engraving and the second major side is configured to provide access to a second side of the tag to facilitate engraving; wherein the tag is held within an opening of a tag framing panel, wherein the capture space of the single piece cassette body is formed by a lateral slot along one minor edge and into which the tag framing panel slidingly engages into a final position in order to locate the tag in a set position within the capture space for engraving; wherein the tag has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the tag framing panel. 
     In a further aspect, a tag cassette assembly for use in connection with an engraving process carried out in an engraving machine, the assembly comprising: a single piece cassette body of plastic material, the cassette body including a first major side and a second major side and a periphery formed by minor edges; a tag secured in a capture space of the cassette body; wherein the cassette first major side is configured to provide access to a first side of the tag to facilitate engraving and the second major side is configured to provide access to a second side of the tag to facilitate engraving. 
     In another aspect, a tag cassette assembly for use in connection with an engraving process carried out in an engraving machine includes a single piece cassette body of plastic material, the cassette body including a first major side and a second major side and a periphery formed by minor edges. The cassette body forms a capture space for holding a tag and a tag framing panel, wherein the capture space is formed by a lateral slot along one of the minor edges for slidingly receiving the tag and the tag framing panel. Within a periphery of the capture space, the first major side of the cassette body includes both tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure. Within the periphery of the capture space, the second major side of the cassette body includes both tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure. The tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure of the first major side does not align with the tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure of the second major side. 
     In a further aspect, a tag cassette assembly for use in connection with an engraving process carried out in an engraving machine includes a cassette body of plastic material, the cassette body including a first major side and a second major side and a periphery formed by minor edges. The cassette body forms a capture space for holding a tag and a tag framing panel, wherein the capture space is formed by a lateral slot along one of the minor edges for slidingly receiving the tag and the tag framing panel. Within a periphery of the capture space, the first major side of the cassette body includes both tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure. Within the periphery of the capture space, the second major side of the cassette body includes both tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure. 
     The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 - 7    show one embodiment of a tag cassette assembly; 
         FIGS.  8 - 9    show another embodiment of a cassette body; 
         FIGS.  10 - 16    show another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly; 
         FIGS.  17 - 21    show another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly; 
         FIGS.  22 - 23    show another embodiment of a cassette body; 
         FIGS.  24 - 25    show another embodiment of a cassette body; 
         FIGS.  26 - 31    show another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly; 
         FIG.  32    shows another attachment ring recess configuration; 
         FIG.  33    shows a prior art cassette assembly; 
         FIGS.  34 - 40    show another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly, with  FIGS.  37  and  38    being cross-sections along a plane parallel to the major sides, and with  FIGS.  39  and  40    being cross-sections along a plane perpendicular to the major sides; and 
         FIGS.  41 - 42    show the cassette body of  FIGS.  34 - 40    holding a different tag shape; and 
         FIGS.  43 - 46    show another cassette body configuration adapted for holding two different tag shapes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , one embodiment of a tag cassette assembly  10  is shown and includes a single piece cassette body  12  (e.g., of a plastic material,). The cassette body includes a first major side  14  and a second major side  16  and a periphery  18  formed by minor edges  18   a - 18   d . A tag  20  is secured in a capture space  22  of the cassette body  12 . The cassette first major side  14  is configured to provide access to a first side  24  of the tag  20  (e.g. via opening  26 ) to facilitate engraving and the second major side  16  is configured to provide access to a second side  28  of the tag (e.g., via opening  30 ) to facilitate engraving. 
     The tag  20  is held within an opening  32  of a die cut card  34  (e.g., of paper or paperboard material) or other tag framing panel. The capture space of the single piece cassette body  12  is formed by a lateral slot  36  along the minor edge  18   a  and into which the die cut card  34  slidingly engages (per arrows  38 ) into a final position ( FIG.  3   ) in order to locate the tag in a set position within the capture space for engraving. In the set position of the tag, the opposite sides  24  and  28  of the tag align with the openings  26  and  30 . 
     The first major side  14  of the cassette body  12  includes tag engaging structure  40  (e.g., beams  40   a - 40   d ) along at least a portion of a periphery the tag  20  when the tag is in the set position, and the second major side  16  of the cassette body  12  includes tag engaging structure  42  (e.g., walls  42   a - 42   b ) along at least a portion of the periphery of the tag when the tag is in the set position. This structure retains the tag in the z-direction for the purpose of keeping the tag stationary during engraving. 
     An internal end  36   c  of the lateral slot  36  includes a card stop edge with one or more card alignment features  44 , and the die cut card includes corresponding card alignment features  46  that engage into the card alignment features  44  when the die cut card is in the final position. Here, the card alignment features  44  are female and triangular in shape with adjoining angled sides  46 ,  48 , and the card alignment features  46  are male and triangular in shape with adjoining angled sides  50 ,  52  that mate by engagement with the adjoining angled sides of the card alignment features  44 . An entry end  36   a  of the lateral slot includes at least one or more retaining tabs  54  that include tapered entry surfaces  56  to facilitate insertion of the card. The inwardly facing edges of the tabs define card edge stops. The opposed sides  36   b  and  36   c  of the lateral slot are have card edge contacting surfaces. The combination of the tabs and card stop edges of the slot holds the die cut card in place in the x and y directions, and the card  34  in turn holds the tag  20  in place in x and y directions for keeping the tag  20  stationary during engraving. 
     As shown, the cassette body  12  may also include a recess  60  for receiving an attachment ring  62 , with the card  34  having a cutout  64  for x and y retention of the attachment ring  62 . The cassette body may be of a clear plastic material through which indicia on a surface of the die cut card  34  can be viewed. Here, major side  14  of the body  12  is of a skeletal type configuration, such as may be formed by a mold with a two direction pull. However, using a more complex mold, such as a mold with a slide, both major sides can be formed with more complete continuity, as suggested by the embodiment of the cassette body  12 - 1  shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , where opposed major sides  14 - 1  and  14 - 2 , with respective openings  26 - 1  and  30 - 1 , enable capture of a die cut card and tag (not shown) within a lateral slot  36 - 1 . Card retaining edges  70 ,  72 ,  74  and card retaining tabs  54 - 1  are also provided. 
     In variations of either the cassette assembly  10  or the cassette assembly  10 - 1 , the retaining tabs  54 ,  54 - 1  could be moved away from the entry end and toward the internal end of the lateral slot (e.g., into position  54 ′ as seen in  FIG.  2   ) for engagement with slots exemplary slots  55  located on the die cut card. Such an arrangement would place the capturing/retaining feature near the leading edge of the card, so there is no resistance to card insertion in the lateral slot until the card is almost fully seated. In such cases, removal of the card could possibly involve tearing the card at the slots  55 . 
     Another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly  10 - 2  is shown in  FIGS.  10 - 16    and includes a cassette body  12 - 2  with opposed major sides  14 - 2  and  16 - 2  and minor edges  18   a   2 - 18   d   2 . The cassette body  12 - 2  includes a through opening  80  comprised by a recess  82  into the major side  14 - 2 , with a bottom  84  of the recess defined by an inwardly extending rim  86  of the major side  16 - 2 , where the inwardly extending rim  86  defines a periphery of the through opening  80  at the major side  16 - 2 . The recess  82  includes a plurality of retention tabs  88   a ,  88   b ,  88   c  positioned relative to the inwardly extending rim  86  so as to form a retention gap  90  therebetween that at least in part defines the capture space for the tag  20 - 2 . Peripheral portions of one side  26 - 2  of the tag seat against the inwardly extending rim  86  and peripheral portions of the other side  24 - 2  of the tag are engaged by the plurality of tabs. At least one of the tabs  88   c  is configured to be able to flex outwardly (e.g. wall  92  can flex outward per arrow  94 ) for insertion of the tag into the recess. 
     In the tag cassette assembly  10 - 2 , retention of the tag  20 - 2  in the z-direction is provided by the rim  86  and tabs  88   a - 88   c , and retention of tag  20 - 2  in the x and y directions is provided by the periphery of the recess  82 . 
     The cassette body  12 - 2  may be of a clear plastic material with an adhesive decal applied to the major side  14 - 2 . Alternatively, the cassette body may be of a plastic (e.g., PET) that is direct surface printed on the major side  14 - 2  and/or the major side  16 - 2 . 
     Another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly  10 - 3  is shown in  FIGS.  17 - 20    and includes a cassette body  12 - 3  with opposed major sides  14 - 3  and  16 - 3  and minor edges  18   a   3 - 18   d   3 . The cassette body includes a recess  110  into the major side  14 - 3 , where a bottom  112  of the recess is defined by a wall  114  of the major side  16 - 3 . The wall  114  includes a through opening  116 , and the tag  20 - 3  is positioned in the recess  110  with one side  26 - 3  at least partially aligned with the through opening  116 . A laminated die cut card  120  is also seated in the recess  110 , over the tag  20 - 3  to retain the tag in the recess. The recess  110  includes peripheral retention tabs  122   a ,  122   b  and edge portions of the laminated die cut card  120  are positioned beneath the retention tabs  122   a ,  122   b  to hold the laminated die cut card  120 , and thus the tag  20 - 3 , within the recess. At least one of the retention tabs  122   b  is configured to be able to flex outwardly (per arrow  124 ) for insertion of the laminated die cut card  120  into the recess. The laminated die cut card  120  includes a seating recess  128  for the tag  20 - 3 , and a through opening  130  defined by a seating rim  132  of the recess  128 . The seating recess  128  is formed by the relative shape and size of the openings in the laminated card sheet parts  120   a  and  120   b . The car sheet parts  120   a  may be held to each other by adhesive, stitching or material weld. Card sheet part  120   a  may be of clear plastic. 
     In the tag cassette assembly  10 - 3 , retention of the tag  20 - 3  in the z-direction is provided by the wall  114  and the seating rim  132  of the card  120 , and retention of tag  20 - 3  in the x and y directions is provided by the periphery of the recess  128 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  26 - 31   , another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly  10 - 6  is shown and includes a single piece cassette body  12 - 6  (e.g., of a plastic material,). The cassette body includes a first major side  14 - 6  and a second major side  16 - 6  and a periphery  18 - 6  formed by minor edges  18 - 6   a  through  18 - 6   d . A tag  20 - 6  is secured in a capture space  22 - 6  of the cassette body  12 - 6 . The cassette first major side  14 - 6  is configured to provide access to a first side face  24 - 6  of the tag  20 - 6  (e.g. via opening  26 - 6 ) to facilitate engraving and the second major side  16 - 6  is configured to provide access to a second side face  28 - 6  of the tag (e.g., via opening  30 - 6 ) to facilitate engraving. 
     The tag  20 - 6  is held within an opening  32 - 6  of a die cut card  34 - 6  (e.g., of paper or paperboard material) or other tag framing panel. The capture space of the single piece cassette body  12 - 6  is formed by a lateral slot  36 - 6  along the minor edge  18 - 6   a  and into which the die cut card  34 - 6  slidingly engages (per arrows  38 - 6 ) into a final position ( FIG.  27   ) in order to locate the tag in a set position within the capture space for engraving. In the set position of the tag, the opposite side faces  24 - 6  and  28 - 6  of the tag align with the openings  26 - 6  and  30 - 6 . 
     The first major side  14 - 6  of the cassette body  12 - 6  includes tag engaging structure  40 - 6  (e.g., beams  40 - 6   a  through  40 - 6   d ) along at least a portion of a periphery the tag  20 - 6  when the tag is in the set position, and the second major side  16 - 6  of the cassette body  12 - 6  includes tag engaging structure  42 - 6  (e.g., wall portions  42 - 6   a  through  42 - 6   b ) along at least a portion of the periphery of the tag when the tag is in the set position. This structure retains the tag in the z-direction for the purpose of keeping the tag stationary during engraving. Each of the first major side  14 - 6  and the second major side  16 - 6  also includes respective tag framing panel engaging structure  43 - 6  or  45 - 6 . Notably, in the illustrated embodiment, the tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure of the first major side does not align (in plan view perpendicular to the plane of either of the major sides) with the tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure of the second major side. The configuration of the tag engaging structure can vary depending upon the shape and size of the tag to be held by the cassette body. 
     An internal end  36 - 6   c  of the lateral slot  36 - 6  includes a card stop edge for engaging with a leading side edge  47 - 6  of the tag framing panel, when the tag framing panel is in the final position. An entry end  36 - 6   a  of the lateral slot includes one or more retaining tabs  54 - 6  that include tapered entry surfaces  56 - 6  to facilitate insertion of the card. The inwardly facing edges of the tabs define card edge stops. Here, the tabs  54 - 6  are in fixed, non-moving positions on part of the tag framing panel engaging structure of the second major side  16 - 6 . 
     The opposed sides  36 - 6   b  and  36 - 6   d  of the lateral slot have panel edge contacting surfaces. The combination of the tabs and panel stop edges of the slot holds the panel in place in the x and y directions, and the panel  34 - 6  in turn holds the tag  20 - 6  in place in x and y directions for keeping the tag  20 - 6  stationary during engraving. Here, the panel  34 - 6  includes opposed side edges each having one or more projecting edge features  49  (here curved bump-outs) for positively engaging with panel edge contacting surfaces of the lateral slot. 
     As shown, the cassette body  12 - 6  also include a recess  60 - 6  for receiving an attachment ring  62 - 6 . Here, the recess  60 - 6  in which the attachment ring is held is offset from the capture space  22 - 6 . The recess  60 - 6  includes a bottom portion  63 - 6  defined by the second major side, and multiple ring retaining tabs  65 - 6  at the first major side for securing the attachment ring within the recess and against the bottom  63 - 6 . A periphery of the recess  60 - 6  is defined at least in part by a removable finger  69 - 6  that is configured to be manually broken away from the cassette body. Here, a slot  71 - 6  is provided to define a free end  69 - 6   a  of the finger that is graspable by a user. The finger includes runs along a slot that helps define the finger the slot includes a slot end, at which point the finger typically breaks away from the cassette body when pulled by a user. Here, one or more of the ring retaining tabs  65 - 6  are located on the removable finger, so that once the finger is broken away, the attachment ring  62 - 6  can be manually pulled from the recess  60 - 6 . In an alternative embodiment, per  FIG.  32   , some or all of the finger may be eliminated along the ring recess  60 - 7 . In such case, one side of the recess at the periphery of the cassette body may be open, such that the attachment ring recess includes an unbounded side portion along a portion of a peripheral edge of the cassette body. The inserted attachment-ring  62 - 7  then includes a peripheral portion  61  that is exposed for enabling a person to grasp and remove the ring  62 - 7 , in some cases without requiring breaking away of any finger or, here small finger part  69 - 7 . 
     The cassette body may be of a clear plastic material through which indicia (e.g., graphics and/or bar code) on a surface of the tag framing panel  34 - 6  can be viewed. A bar code printed on the framing panel may also be aligned with one of the open, uncovered spaces at the major side  14 - 6 , so as to be readily scannable by a scanner in an engraving machine and/or other point-of-sale. Here, major side  14 - 6   a  of the body  12 - 6  is of a skeletal type configuration, such as may be formed by a mold with a two direction pull. However, using a more complex mold, such as a mold with a slide, both major sides can be formed with more complete continuity. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  34 - 40   , another embodiment of a tag cassette assembly  10 - 7  is shown and includes a single piece cassette body  12 - 7  (e.g., of a plastic material,). The cassette body includes a first major side  14 - 7  and a second major side  16 - 7  and a periphery  18 - 7  formed by minor edges  18 - 7   a  through  18 - 7   d . A tag  20 - 7  is secured in a capture space  22 - 7  of the cassette body  12 - 7 . The cassette first major side  14 - 7  is configured to provide access to a first side face  24 - 7  of the tag  20 - 7  (e.g. via opening  26 - 7 ) to facilitate engraving and the second major side  16 - 7  is configured to provide access to a second side face  28 - 7  of the tag (e.g., via opening  30 - 7 ) to facilitate engraving. 
     The tag  20 - 7  is held within an opening  32 - 7  of a die cut card  34 - 7  (e.g., of paper or paperboard material) or other tag framing panel. The capture space of the single piece cassette body  12 - 7  is formed by a lateral slot  36 - 7  along the minor edge  18 - 7   a  and into which the die cut card  34 - 7  slidingly engages into a final position ( FIG.  34   ) in order to locate the tag in a set position within the capture space for engraving. In the set position of the tag, the opposite side faces  24 - 7  and  28 - 7  of the tag align with the openings  26 - 7  and  30 - 7 . 
     The first major side  14 - 7  of the cassette body  12 - 7  includes tag engaging structure  40 - 7  (e.g., beams or beam portions  40 - 7   a  through  40 - 7   d ) along at least a portion of a periphery the tag  20 - 7  when the tag is in the set position, and the second major side  16 - 7  of the cassette body  12 - 7  includes tag engaging structure  42 - 7  (e.g., wall portions  42 - 7   a  through  42 - 7   b ) along at least a portion of the periphery of the tag when the tag is in the set position. This structure retains the tag in the z-direction for the purpose of keeping the tag stationary during engraving. Each of the first major side  14 - 6  and the second major side  16 - 6  also includes respective tag framing panel engaging structure  43 - 7  or  45 - 7 . Notably, in the illustrated embodiment, the tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure of the first major side does not align (in plan view perpendicular to the plane of either of the major sides) with the tag engaging structure and tag framing panel engaging structure of the second major side. The configuration of the tag engaging structure can vary depending upon the shape and size of the tag to be held by the cassette body. 
     Here, the tag  20 - 7  has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the tag framing panel. Accordingly, the internally facing surfaces of the tag engaging structure are spaced apart by a distance d1 that is slightly greater than the distance d2 between the internally facing surfaces of the tag framing panel engaging structure. This configuration permits the use of a thinner, less expensive tag framing panel, while at the same time keeping both the tag framing panel and the tag centered in the z direction. Where the tag framing panel is of a slightly compressible material, such as paperboard, the tag panel engaging structure will slightly compress or crush the paperboard, providing increased holding strength on the tag framing panel. 
     An entry end  36 - 7   a  of the lateral slot includes one or more retaining tabs  54 - 7  that include tapered entry surfaces  56 - 7  to facilitate insertion of the card. The inwardly facing edges of the tabs define card edge stops. Here, the tabs  54 - 7  are positioned at the free end of flex arms that permit some movement or flex of the tabs. The opposed sides of the lateral slot have panel edge contacting surfaces. The combination of the tabs and panel stop edges of the slot holds the panel in place in the x and y directions, and the panel  34 - 7  in turn holds the tag  20 - 7  in place in x and y directions for keeping the tag  20 - 6  stationary during engraving. Here, the panel  34 - 7  includes opposed side edges that are linear, and the panel edge contacting surfaces of the include projecting features  49 - 7  (here curved bump-outs) for positively engaging with panel edges to tightly hold the tag framing panel and to account for possible tolerance issues. 
     As shown, the cassette body  12 - 7  also include a recess  60 - 7  for receiving an attachment ring  62 - 8 . Here, the recess  60 - 7  in which the attachment ring is held is offset from the capture space  22 - 7 . The recess  60 - 7  includes a bottom portion  63 - 7  defined by the second major side, and multiple ring retaining tabs  65 - 7  at the first major side for securing the attachment ring within the recess and against the bottom  63 - 7 . A periphery of the recess  60 - 7  is defined at least in part by a finger  69 - 8  that, in some cases, may be configured to be manually broken away from the cassette body. Here, one side of the recess at the periphery of the cassette body is open, such that the attachment ring recess includes an unbounded side portion along a portion of a peripheral edge of the cassette body. The inserted attachment-ring  62 - 8  includes a peripheral portion that is exposed for enabling a person to grasp and remove the ring  62 - 8 , in some cases without requiring breaking away of any finger. 
     The cassette body may be of a clear plastic material through which indicia (e.g., graphics and/or bar code) on a surface of the tag framing panel can be viewed. A bar code printed on the framing panel may also be aligned with one of the open, uncovered spaces at the major side, so as to be readily scannable by a scanner in an engraving machine and/or other point-of-sale. 
     Notably, the cassette body  12 - 7  includes molded in directional arrows  300  that are formed as through openings so as to be visible from both major sides of the cassette body. The directional arrows are provided to communicate to the consumer the direction in which the cassette should be inserted into an engraving machine for the purpose of tag engraving. 
     The above-described configuration of the cassette body  12 - 7  and card/tag framing panel  34 - 7  also provides a spring-loaded card feature in that the card includes a slit  35  that extends from the opening  32 - 7  to the peripheral edge of the card. This allows the opening  32 - 7  to expand slightly when a tag is inserted into the opening, due to interference between the outer periphery of the tag and the inward facing periphery of the opening  32 - 7 . The natural tendency of the card material is to return to a position in which the two edges along the side of the slit  35  abut each other, providing a spring-like grip or holding feature of the tag by the card. In addition, when the card is inserted into the cassette, the interaction of the card side edges and the projecting features  49 - 7  of the cassette further urges the two sides of the slit  35  toward each other, further squeezing the tag for secure holding. 
     Notably, by properly positioning the tag engaging structure of the cassette body  12 - 7 , the cassette body can be used to hold tags of varying shapes. For example, as seen in  FIGS.  34 - 36   , the cassette body  12 - 7  holds a large bone shaped tag, while in  FIGS.  41 - 42   , the same cassette body  12 - 7  is shown holding a tag framing panel with a heart-shaped tag  24 - 8 . This feature reduces the tooling sets required to provide cassette bodies for a number of different tag shapes (i.e., a one-to-one correspondence is not required). This feature is achieved by assuring that: the tag engaging structure of the first major side is shaped and positioned both (i) for contacting peripheral portions of the first tag (e.g., large bone shape) when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body and (ii) for contacting peripheral portions of the second tag (e.g., heart shape) when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body, and the tag engaging structure of the second major side is shaped and positioned both (i) for contacting peripheral portions of the first tag when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body and (ii) for contacting peripheral portions of the second tag when loaded into the tag capture space of the cassette body. In some embodiments, the same cassette body may be configured to hold more than two different tag shapes. 
     In another example, referring to  FIGS.  43 - 46   , another cassette body  12 - 9  is shown and includes tag engaging structure shaped and positioned so as to be suitable for holding either a paw shaped tag  24 - 9  or a small bone shaped tag  24 - 10 . 
     This multiple tag per cassette feature of provides a system in which only a limited number of cassette configurations is required for a larger number of tag configurations, which materially reduces manufacturing costs by reducing the number of cassette molding tools/dies required. Thus, a method of production can be implemented in which, for example, a supply of cassettes of a first configuration and a supply of cassettes of a second configuration are both provided. Tags of a first configuration (within an associated framing panel having a tag holding opening of the first configuration) are loaded into cassettes of the first configuration and tags of a second configuration (with an associated framing panel having a tag holding opening of the second configuration) are also loaded into cassettes of the first configuration. Similarly, tags of a third configuration (within an associated framing panel having a tag holding opening of the third configuration) are loaded into cassettes of the second configuration and tags of a fourth configuration (with an associated framing panel having a tag opening of the fourth configuration) are also loaded into cassettes of the second configuration. The fully loaded cassettes (of both the first configuration and second configuration) can then be shipped to retailers for selection and use by consumers for personalized engraving of four differently shaped tags. As previously noted, the cassettes of the first configuration and/or the cassettes of the second configuration can, in some cases, also be capable of holding additional tag configurations (more than two different tag configurations). 
     It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended by way of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by way of limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible. For example,  FIGS.  22  and  23    show another embodiment of a cassette body  12 - 4 , which is similar to cassette body  12 - 2  in terms of providing a tag seating recess with retention tabs, but where the cassette body  12 - 4  is formed of a one piece embossed/staked paperboard or a molded or die cut card that is embossed/staked.  FIGS.  24  and  25    show another embodiment of a cassette body  12 - 5  that is formed by a folded paperboard material having a living hinge  140 , where the tag would be captured between the folds in the vicinity of the opening  142 . Still other variations and additional features are possible. 
     For example, in some embodiments, in order to better secure the tag to the tag framing panel, one or more adhesive tape segments could be provided along one or more edge portions of the tag (e.g., with part of the tape segment adhered to the tag and part of the tape segment adhered to the tag framing panel).