Tape printing apparatus, tape cartridge and tape printing apparatus including the tape cartridge, and tape cutting device

Abstract

There are provided a tape cartridge which can be changed into a compact shape for storage or transport, or makes a printing tape and a laminating tape replaceable, and at the same time facilitating the handling of them, a tape cartridge capable of holding an unrolled portion extending over a relative long distance in a proper attitude, a tape cutting device including the tape cartridge, and a tape printing apparatus including any of the above tape cartridges or having a structure making itself free from spoiling the print quality. A casing of a tape cartridge accommodating at least one roll of tape such that the at least one roll of tape can be unrolled therefrom comprises a hinge mechanism arranged at a longitudinally intermediate portion thereof, for allowing the tape cartridge to be folded. A tape-holding member protrudes from a casing, for holding an end of an unrolled portion of a roll of tape rolled out from the casing for enabling the tape to be rolled out therefrom, thereby ensuring mounting of the roll of tape in the cartridge compartment with the unrolled portion rolled out from the casing. An unrolled portion of a roll of laminating tape is laminated onto an unrolled portion of a roll of a printing tape. A tape-supporting frame rotatably supporting at least one of these rolls of tapes is removably mounted in a casing for removably accommodating these rolls of tapes.