Apparatus for printing bags

Claim 1

A printer comprising: reciprocal rod actuating means pivotally fixed at a stationary point; a rod attached at one end to said actuating means and pivotally attached at the other end to a tongue projecting from the side of a printing arm, said tongue being located at a point intermediate of the ends of said printing arm; said printing arm having a printing plate attached to one end thereof; said rod and said printing arm being substantially aligned in one plane but being slightly out of parallel when viewed perpendicular to said plane when said rod is in its extended position, the angle between said rod and said arm being convergent in a direction toward said tongue; said arm being pivotally secured to a fixed point intermediate said tongue and the opposite end of said arm; said arm containing a longitudinal slot in which is located a fixed printing arm shaft, the axis of said shaft being perpendicular to said arm and parallel to the axis of pivot of both said rod actuating means and said tongue, said shaft being located at a point intermediate said tongue and the opposite end of said arm; a bearing surface mounted on a fixed bearing mounting shaft, said bearing mounting shaft being parallel to said printing arm shaft and being positioned between said rod and said arm at a point intermediate said printing arm shaft and the end of said arm opposite the end on which said printing plate is affixed; whereby said printing arm is pivotable from an extended position, at which said rod is in its extended position, to a partially retracted position, at a pivot angle of about 110*140* from said extended position, in which said arm contacts said bearing surface, and whereby said arm is movable in a straight line along said bearing surface to a fully-retracted position; and a printing ink pad in a fixed position, said position being located so that said printing plate contacts said pad when said arm reaches said fully-extended position.