Printer

Abstract

A printer or other machine providing tangible output is provided. The printer includes a base unit defining a storage chamber configured to receive a printing mechanism of the printer. The printer includes a removable cover movably attached to a base unit via one of a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism. The removable cover is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot mechanism to move the removable cover in a first opening direction. The removable cover is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis defined by a second pivot mechanism to move the removable cover in a second opening direction different from the first opening direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to printers, and more particularly to a printer including a media door having two opening directions. Background Art

[0002] Printers are widely used for printing labels, barcodes, and the like. Printers, such as industrial printers and home printers, are compactly designed to take up minimal space and thus provide economic benefits to the user. Furthermore, industrial printers are often operated for extended periods to meet industrial requirements. Therefore, a small buffer space is provided to access the various internal components of these printers, such as the ribbon rewind spool, ribbon supply spool, and media supply spool, which require regular maintenance to maintain printer efficiency. To access these printers, users must open a media door. These doors come in various shapes and sizes and are bolted to the main body of the printer.

[0003] However, a media door requires a larger opening area around the printer to allow access to the printer, in addition to the buffer space. In the case of a media door with a side-opening mechanism, the media door requires a larger volume of space on the side of the printer to fully open. Similarly, in the case of a media door with a top-opening mechanism, the media door requires a larger volume of space on the top of the printer to fully open. Currently, the media doors available for printers do not provide users with the choice of a top-opening door or a side-opening door. In addition, the media doors currently available for printers require different tools to remove the media door from the printer, so some users prefer to use the printer without the media door.

[0004] Applicants have identified many deficiencies and problems associated with conventional printing devices. Through effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been addressed by developing solutions, including in the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein. Utility Model Content

[0005] The following presents a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an exhaustive overview and is not intended to identify key or important elements or to describe the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to serve as a prelude to the detailed description provided later, providing some concepts of the described features in a simplified form.

[0006] In an example embodiment, a printer is disclosed. The printer includes a base unit defining a storage chamber configured to house a printing mechanism of the printer. The printer also includes a removable cover movably attached to the base unit via one of a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism. The removable cover is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot mechanism to move the removable cover in a first opening direction. The removable cover is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot mechanism to move the removable cover in a second opening direction different from the first opening direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first opening direction and the second opening direction correspond to top and sideways movement of the removable cover relative to the base unit, respectively.In some embodiments, the removable cover opens in a bi-fold configuration or a non-bi-fold configuration.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism includes one or more hinges. The first pivot mechanism facilitates the one or more hinges to move the removable cover in the first opening direction. The second pivot mechanism facilitates the one or more hinges to move the removable cover in the second opening direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism includes at least one movable lever having a first end coupled to the at least one handle and a second end coupled to at least one spring. The at least one spring is configured to extend or retract to move the removable cover.

[0010] In some embodiments, the removable cover has one or more guide members integrated on at least one movable lever to ensure movement and alignment of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments, the removable lid is configured to move in a first opening direction by disengaging one or more hinges of a first pivot mechanism by at least one handle. In some embodiments, the removable lid is configured to move in a second opening direction by disengaging one or more hinges of a second pivot mechanism by at least one handle.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, a machine for providing a tangible output is disclosed. The machine includes a base unit and a removable cover attached to the base unit. Furthermore, the machine includes a first pivot mechanism attached to the removable cover. The first pivot mechanism defines a first pivot axis for moving the removable cover in a first opening direction. Furthermore, the machine includes a second pivot mechanism attached to the removable cover. The second pivot mechanism defines a second pivot axis for moving the removable cover in a second opening direction different from the first opening direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first opening direction and the second opening direction correspond to top and sideways movement of the removable cover relative to the base unit, respectively.In some embodiments, the removable cover opens in a bi-fold configuration or a non-bi-fold configuration.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism includes one or more hinges. The first pivot mechanism facilitates the one or more hinges to move the removable cover in the first opening direction. The second pivot mechanism facilitates the one or more hinges to move the removable cover in the second opening direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism includes at least one movable lever having a first end coupled to the at least one handle and a second end coupled to the at least one spring.

[0016] In some embodiments, the removable lid is configured to move in a first opening direction by disengaging one or more hinges of a first pivot mechanism by at least one handle. In some embodiments, the removable lid is configured to move in a second opening direction by disengaging one or more hinges of a second pivot mechanism by at least one handle.

[0017] The above utility model content is provided only to summarize some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or essence of the present disclosure in any way. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure also encompasses many possible embodiments in addition to those summarized here, some of which will be further explained in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Having thus generally described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a printer according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of a printer with a detached removable cover according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of a printer according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figures 3A to 3B illustrates a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism in an engaged position and a disengaged position according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figures 5A to 5B illustrates a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism according to the present disclosure in an engaged position and a disengaged position (media door not shown);

[0025] Figure 6A illustrates a side view of a printer according to the present disclosure with a top-facing removable cover open;

[0026] Figure 6B illustrates an isometric view of a printer according to the present disclosure with a top-facing removable cover open;

[0027] Figure 7A illustrates a side view of a printer according to the present disclosure with a detachable cover open in a sideways direction;

[0028] Figure 7B illustrates an isometric view of a printer according to the present disclosure with a removable cover open in a sideways direction;

[0029] Figures 8A to 8B illustrates an oblique view of a knob coupled to a rack and pinion mechanism (media door not shown) according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8C illustrates a bottom view of a knob coupled to a rack and pinion mechanism (media door not shown) in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 8D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a knob coupled with a rack and pinion mechanism and a removable cover according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8E illustrates an oblique view of a knob attached to a torsion spring (media door not shown) in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0033] Figures 9A to 9B illustrates an oblique view of a knob according to the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of a printer according to the present disclosure showing a comparison between a bi-fold configuration and a non-bi-fold (ie, single-piece) configuration of a removable cover; and

[0035] Figure 10C A side view of a printer according to the present disclosure is illustrated, showing a comparison between a bi-folded configuration and a non-bi-folded (ie, single-piece) configuration of the removable cover in a second opening orientation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The exemplary embodiments described herein provide details for illustrative purposes and may have many variations in structure and design. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments shown or described. It should be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated, as appropriate, but these omissions and substitutions are intended to cover applications or specific implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The terms "a", "an" and "the" herein do not indicate a limitation on quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced object. It should also be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components described is specified, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. In the accompanying drawings, like numbers represent like components.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. However, embodiments of the present disclosure can be embodied in alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples of other possible examples.

[0039] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device, such as a printer or other machine, having a base unit and a removable cover. In particular, the removable cover can be configured to allow a user to access internal components of the printer, such as a ribbon rewind spool, a ribbon supply spool, and a media supply spool, which are easily accessible to the user. For example, with respect to a specific implementation of a printer, a user may occasionally need to open the door of the printer to load paper or other media on which text and images can be printed. In addition, the user may need to open the printer to remove jammed supplies, replace ribbons or toner cartridges, replace rollers, or perform other routine tasks associated with the normal use of the printer. Therefore, the present disclosure includes a removable cover that can be removed from the printer in one or more opening directions and axis points. Such one or more opening directions of the removable cover can take up a minimal amount of space when the printer is exposed.

[0040] Figure 1 An isometric view of a printer 100 is illustrated according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1The depicted device represents a printer 100, but it should be noted that the device can be any type of machine capable of producing output similar to a printer. Specifically, the machine can receive or store one or more products (such as paper, labels, ink or toner), perform one or more operations on one or more goods, and then generate a physical output. The actual output can be a by-product or a modified version of one or more items. For example, when the machine corresponds to a printer 100, it can contain ink / toner and a medium (such as paper, labels, etc.). The machine can transfer an image to the medium, and the printer 100 can then print out the image. Other embodiments of the machine can allow it to be used as a point of sale (POS) device, a label maker, a food or beverage machine, etc. It should be understood that it may be necessary to periodically open the housing of the printer 100 or other device or machine used to produce physical goods.

[0041] The printer 100 may include a base unit 102 and a removable cover 104. In some embodiments, the base unit 102 may correspond to a working unit of a device or machine containing a functional element (such as, in the case of the printer 100, a printing mechanism), and the removable cover 104 may be mounted on the working unit. The removable cover 104 may be movably attached to the base unit 102 via one of a first pivot mechanism 106 and a second pivot mechanism 108. It should be noted that the removable cover 104 may be configured to pivot about an axis defined by the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108. The first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 may be operated using one or more elements, such as at least one movable lever 110, at least one handle 112, and one or more guide members 114 integrated with the at least one movable lever 110. The at least one handle 112 may be operated by a user to slide the at least one movable lever 110 along the axis defined by the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108. The one or more guide members 114 can facilitate the planar path of movement of the at least one movable lever 110. The guide members 114 can facilitate the planar path of the at least one movable lever 110 with the help of a plurality of pins (not shown). The operation of the plurality of pins in combination with the guide members 114 will be described in more detail in the following embodiments. In some embodiments, the one or more guide members 114 can correspond to a slot or feed device for aligning the at least one movable lever 110 along the axis defined by the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108. Later in conjunction Figure 2A and Figure 2B The at least one movable lever 110 , the at least one handle 112 , and the one or more guide members 114 are described in greater detail.

[0042] The first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 enable a user to open the removable cover 104 in a first opening direction and a second opening direction, respectively. The first opening direction may correspond to movement of the removable cover 104 in a top direction, and the second opening direction may correspond to movement of the removable cover 104 in a side direction. It should be noted that based on the available buffer space around the printer 100, the user may open the removable cover 104 in the first opening direction or the second opening direction. It should be noted that opening the removable cover 104 or removing the removable cover from the printer 100 may provide the user with access to the interior of the printer 100 to perform maintenance or other operations. In some embodiments, a bi-fold configuration or a non-bi-fold (i.e., a single-piece) configuration may facilitate the opening of the removable cover 104. Later in conjunction with Figures 6A to 7B The bifold configuration or the non-bifold configuration is described in more detail.

[0043] refer to Figure 2A , discloses an isometric view of the printer 100 with the removable cover 104 detached. Figure 2A Combine Figure 2B Provide a description.

[0044] The base unit 102 may include a printing mechanism 200. The printing mechanism 200 may be configured to provide text and graphical output to a user. The printing mechanism 200 includes a ribbon rewind spool 202, a ribbon supply spool 204, a media door (also referred to as a removable cover 104), a media supply spool 206, a rewinder 208, and a print engine 210. The ribbon rewind spool 202 and the ribbon supply spool 204 may carry a thin ribbon of material consisting of a panel and printing ink in a single solid color or a variety of colors. In some embodiments, the supplied printing ink may be applied directly to a printing surface, such as paper, cardstock, or the like.

[0045] In some embodiments, the media supply spool 206 can be configured to feed the media, including paper, cardstock, newspaper, etc., on which printing is to be performed. In addition, the rewinder 208 can be configured to automatically rewind labels of different diameters into rolls as they exit the printer 100. In some embodiments, the rewinder 208 can be configured to efficiently print large batches of labels. In addition, the print engine 210 can be configured to perform the actual printing.

[0046] refer to Figures 2A to 2B, the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 may include a first set of hinges 212, at least one movable lever 110, at least one handle 112, a knob (not shown), one or more guide members 114, and a second set of hinges 214. It should be noted that the first set of hinges 212 can be manufactured on the removable cover 104, and the second set of hinges 214 can be manufactured on the base unit 102. In some embodiments, the at least one movable lever 110 can be coupled to the at least one handle 112 at a first end and to the at least one spring 216 at a second end. In addition, the at least one handle 112 can be configured to provide translational movement to the at least one movable lever 110. In addition, the at least one spring 216 can be configured to extend or retract to move the removable cover 104.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least one movable lever 110 may be manufactured together with the knob. Figures 8A to 9B The operation of the knob is described in more detail. As discussed, one or more guide members 114 can be fabricated on at least one movable lever 110 to ensure movement and alignment of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108. In some embodiments, the one or more guide members 114 can be feed devices or slots fabricated on at least one movable lever 110. Such slots can facilitate alignment of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 of the removable cover 104 with the base unit 102. Figures 3A to 5B The operation of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 relative to the second set of hinges 214 is described.

[0048] Figures 3A to 3B The first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 are illustrated in an engaged position and a disengaged position (media door not shown) according to an embodiment. Figures 3A to 3B Combine Figures 4 to 5B Provide instructions and description.

[0049] In some embodiments, the engaged position of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 can cause the first set of hinges 212 to interlock with the second set of hinges 214. To facilitate movement of the first set of hinges 212 toward the second set of hinges 214, the handles 112 can slide in opposite directions to each other due to the retraction of at least one spring 216, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5AAs shown. In some embodiments, the first set of hinges 212 can be defined as a concave member having a cylindrical cavity. In some embodiments, the second set of hinges 214 can be defined as a convex member having an elongated portion. When the first set of hinges 212 slides toward the second set of hinges 214, the concave member surrounds the convex member, allowing the first set of hinges 212 to interlock with the second set of hinges 214. This position locks the movement of the removable cover 104 relative to the base unit 102. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the engagement of the first set of hinges 212 and the second set of hinges 214 is indicated by the retraction of the spring 216 by the handle 112.

[0050] refer to Figure 3B , the disengaged position of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 may result in the first set of hinges 212 being unlocked from the second set of hinges 214. To facilitate movement of the first set of hinges 212 away from the second set of hinges 214, the handles 112 may be pressed toward each other by a user, which may result in extension of the at least one spring 216, as Figure 3B and Figure 5B As the first set of hinges 212 slides away from the second set of hinges 214, the concave member exposes the convex member, allowing the first set of hinges 212 to be unlocked from the second set of hinges 214. This position unlocks the removable cover 104 from the base unit 102. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the handle 112 uses the extension of the at least one spring 216 to indicate the disengagement of the first set of hinges 212 and the second set of hinges 214.

[0051] In some embodiments, a plurality of pins 402 can be integral with the removable cover 102 such that the plurality of pins 402 can be positioned within one or more guide members 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of pins 402 can allow the one or more guide members 114 to reciprocate along a planar path of the at least one movable lever 110. In some embodiments, a plurality of anchor points 404 can be integrated into the removable cover 102 such that one side of the at least one spring 216 can be connected to the plurality of anchor points 404 and another side of the at least one spring 216 can be attached to the at least one movable lever 110. Furthermore, the plurality of anchor points 404 can be configured to fixedly connect the at least one spring 216 to the removable cover 102. Such fixed attachment of the at least one spring 216 to the removable cover 102 can allow the at least one spring 216 to extend or retract along with movement of the at least one movable lever 102.

[0052] Figure 6A A side view of the printer 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated with the top orientation of the removable cover 104 open. Figure 6A Combine Figure 6B Provide a description.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first pivot mechanism 106 can be configured to facilitate movement of the removable cover 104 in a first pivot axis 602. The first pivot axis 602 can be defined as an arc created by the removable cover 104 when it is opened in a first opening direction (i.e., movement of the removable cover 104 in a direction relative to the top of the base unit 102). In some cases, if a user has negligible space on either side of the printer 100, the removable cover 104 can be opened in the first opening direction, such as Figure 6A To remove the removable cover 104, the at least one handle 112 of the second pivot mechanism 108 may be pressed by a user. The pressing of the at least one handle 112 may result in translational movement of the at least one movable lever 110. The movement of the at least one movable lever 110 may further disengage the first set of hinges 212 of the second pivot mechanism 108 from the second set of hinges 214 of the base unit 102. It should be noted that the removable cover 104 may remain attached to the base unit 102 via the first pivot mechanism 106, as shown. Figure 6B Thus, the removable cover 104 can pivot about a first pivot axis 602 defined by the first pivot mechanism 106 to move the removable cover 104 in a first opening direction.

[0054] Figure 7A A side view of the printer 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated with the detachable cover 104 open in a sideways direction. Figure 7A Combine Figure 7B Provide a description.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second pivot mechanism 108 can be configured to facilitate movement of the removable cover 104 in the second pivot axis 702. The second pivot axis 702 can be defined as the arc created by the removable cover 104 when it is opened in the second opening direction (i.e., movement of the removable cover 104 in a lateral direction relative to the base unit 102). In some cases, if the user has negligible space on the upper side of the printer 100 and sufficient space on either side of the printer 100, the removable cover 104 can be opened in the second opening direction, such as Figure 7A To remove the removable cover 104, the at least one handle 112 of the first pivot mechanism 106 can be pressed by a user. The pressing of the at least one handle 112 can cause the translational movement of the at least one movable lever 110. The movement of the at least one movable lever 110 can further disengage the first set of hinges 212 of the first pivot mechanism from the second set of hinges 214. It should be noted that the removable cover 104 can remain attached to the base unit 102 via the second pivot mechanism 108, as shown. Figure 7B Therefore, the removable cover 104 can be pivoted about the second pivot axis 702 defined by the second pivot mechanism 108 to move the removable cover 104 in the second opening direction.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described mechanism for opening the removable cover 104 relative to the base unit 102 is provided for illustration purposes only without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figures 8A to 8B An oblique view of a knob 802 coupled to a rack and pinion mechanism according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Figures 8A to 8B Combine Figure 1 and Figures 8C to 9B Provide a description.

[0058] In some embodiments, the at least one movable lever 110 can be configured to be operated by a user with the aid of a knob 802. The knob 802 can engage with the at least one movable lever 110. In some embodiments, the knob 802 can be configured to engage the first set of hinges 212 of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 with the second set of hinges 214 of the base unit 102. In some embodiments, counterclockwise rotation of the knob 802 can also facilitate translational movement of the at least one movable lever 110 to engage the first set of hinges 212 with the second set of hinges 214. In some embodiments, the at least one movable lever 110 can be attached to the removable cover 104 with the aid of a plurality of pins 402.

[0059] In some embodiments, the knob 802 can be configured to disengage the first set of hinges 212 of the first pivot mechanism 106 and the second pivot mechanism 108 from the second set of hinges 214 of the base unit 102. In some embodiments, clockwise rotation of the knob 802 can facilitate translational movement of the at least one movable lever 110. As described above, translational movement of the at least one movable lever 110 can allow the first set of hinges 212 to disengage from the second set of hinges 214.

[0060] In some embodiments, the knob 802 may include at least two sets of gear teeth, namely, a first set of gear teeth 804 and a second set of gear teeth 812. Figure 8B(media door not shown). In some embodiments, the first set of gear teeth 804 can provide a user with a secure grip to hold the knob 802 while rotating. In some embodiments, the second set of gear teeth 812 can mesh between at least one movable lever 110. In some embodiments, the at least one movable lever 110 can include a rack 806 having a third set of gear teeth 808. In some embodiments, the third set of gear teeth 808 of the rack 806 can receive the second set of gear teeth 812. For example, two movable levers can be provided, each having a rack and a set of teeth to receive the second set of gear teeth 812. Thus, when the knob 802 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise via the first set of gear teeth 804, the two movable levers can move parallel to each other and relative to each other in the same plane. Such a mechanism comprising a rack 806 having a third set of gear teeth 808 and a knob 802 having a second set of gear teeth 812 can be referred to as a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0061] In some embodiments, the knob 802 can include a groove portion 810 integrated into the surface of the knob 802. The groove portion 810 can correspond to an arrow to illustrate rotation of the knob 802 (i.e., clockwise rotation) and thereby disengage the first set of hinges 212 from the second set of hinges 214.

[0062] Additionally, the knob 802 can engage with at least one movable lever 110 such that the removable cover 104 can be positioned between the first set of gear teeth 804 and the second set of gear teeth 812, as shown. Figure 8D In some embodiments, the knob 802 can be coupled to the removable cover 104 using screws 814, as shown. Figure 8D The screw 814 can be inserted toward the second set of gear teeth 812 through a hole 902 made on the other surface of the knob 802, as shown. Figure 9A In some embodiments, the screw 814 can be removed from the hole 902 to remove the knob 802 from the removable cover 104 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 8E An oblique view of a knob 802 coupled to at least one torsion spring 816 (media door not shown) is illustrated. Figure 8E Combine Figures 8A to 8D Provide a description.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one torsion spring 816 may be attached to the knob 802. The at least one torsion spring 816 may facilitate the knob 802 in maintaining engagement between the first set of hinges 212 and the second set of hinges 214. Note that one end of the at least one torsion spring 816 may be attached to the knob 802, and the other end of the at least one torsion spring 816 may be attached to the removable lid 104. In some embodiments, a user rotating the knob 802 in a clockwise direction may stretch the at least one torsion spring 816 and disengage the first set of hinges 212 from the second set of hinges 214. Furthermore, once the knob 802 is released by the user, the at least one torsion spring 816 may further facilitate rotation of the knob 802 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby engaging the first set of hinges 212 with the second set of hinges 214. The torsion spring 816 may thereby prevent any accidental opening of the removable lid 104.

[0065] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B A side view of the printer 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated, comparing bi-fold and non-bi-fold opening of the removable cover 104 .

[0066] The removable cover 104 can be opened in a first opening direction in a bi-fold configuration or a non-bi-fold configuration, such as Figure 10A As shown. In some embodiments, the removable cover 104 can be opened in a bifold configuration or a non-bifold configuration in the second opening direction. The non-bifold configuration can correspond to the opening of the removable cover 104 as a single piece. In some embodiments, the non-bifold configuration can also be referred to as a single-piece configuration. The removable cover 104 can be opened in a non-bifold configuration along the first opening direction. Such opening of the removable cover 104 in the non-bifold configuration can produce an arc, as shown in A1. In some other embodiments, the removable cover 104 can be opened in a bifold configuration along the first opening direction. Such opening of the removable cover 104 in the bifold configuration can produce an arc, as shown in A2. It should be noted that the radius of arc A1 is greater than the radius of arc A2. Therefore, in the case of the non-bifold configuration, the removable cover 104 can utilize more external space compared to the bifold configuration.

[0067] For example, because a user has space limitations on the side of the printer 100, the user wants to open the removable cover 104 in the first opening direction (i.e., moving toward the top). By using the second pivot mechanism 108, the removable cover 104 opens in a non-bifold configuration. When partially opened in the non-bifold configuration, the removable cover 104 creates an arc radius of 360 mm from the first pivot mechanism 106. Furthermore, when the removable cover 104 is fully opened in the first opening direction, an arc radius of 576 mm is created from the first pivot mechanism 106. Alternatively, by using the second pivot mechanism 108, the removable cover 104 opens in a bifold configuration. When partially opened in the bifold configuration, the removable cover 104 creates an arc radius of 279 mm from the first pivot mechanism 106. Furthermore, when the removable cover 104 is fully opened in the bifold configuration, an arc radius of 476 mm is created from the first pivot mechanism 106. Therefore, the non-bifold configuration utilizes more space than the bifold configuration. In some embodiments, the bi-fold configuration of the removable cover 104 may be useful where available space is limited, and the non-bi-fold configuration may be useful where the removable cover 104 needs to be fully opened.

[0068] As discussed, the removable cover 104 can be opened in a bi-fold configuration or a non-bi-fold configuration in the second opening direction, such as Figure 10C In some embodiments, the second opening direction may correspond to a lateral movement of the removable cover 104. The removable cover 104 may be opened in a non-bifold configuration along the second opening direction. Such opening of the removable cover 104 in a non-bifold configuration may create an arc, such as Figure 10C . It should be noted that the removable cover 104 can utilize more external space in the non-bifold configuration compared to the bifold configuration. The removable cover 104 can be removed from the first pivot mechanism 106 and remain engaged in the second pivot mechanism 108. Opening the removable cover 104 in the second opening direction can save space volume on the side of the printer 100. In addition, if there is limited space towards the top of the printer 100, it may be necessary to open the removable cover 104 in the bifold configuration and the non-bifold configuration. It should be noted that as Figure 10C As shown, the bi-fold configuration and the non-bi-fold configuration for the second opening direction of the removable cover 104 can be combined with the above FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B The discussed methods work in a similar manner without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Thus, aspects of the various embodiments may take the form of a fully hardware embodiment, a fully software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," "system," or "subsystem." Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0070] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed, and it is apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain their principles and practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications that are suitable for the intended specific use. It should be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents can be envisioned, as the case may be, but these omissions and substitutions are intended to cover applications or specific implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the embodiments to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that: The printer comprises: a base unit defining a storage compartment configured to house a print mechanism of the printer; and a removable cover movably attached to the base unit via one of a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism, The removable cover is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot mechanism so that the removable cover moves in a first opening direction, and the removable cover is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot mechanism so that the removable cover moves in a second opening direction different from the first opening direction. 2 . The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening direction and the second opening direction correspond to top-direction movement and side-direction movement of the detachable cover relative to the base unit, respectively. 3 . The printer of claim 1 , wherein the removable cover opens in a bi-fold configuration or a non-bi-fold configuration. 4 . The printer of claim 1 , wherein each of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism comprises one or more hinges.

5. The printer of claim 4, wherein the first pivot mechanism facilitates the one or more hinges to move the removable cover in the first opening direction.

6. The printer of claim 4, wherein the second pivot mechanism facilitates the one or more hinges to move the removable cover in the second opening direction.

7. The printer of claim 1, wherein each of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism comprises at least one movable lever having a first end coupled to at least one handle and a second end coupled to at least one spring.

8. The printer of claim 7, wherein the removable cover is configured to move in the first opening direction by disengaging one or more hinges of the second pivot mechanism via the at least one handle.

9. The printer of claim 7, wherein the removable cover is configured to move in the second opening direction by disengaging one or more hinges of the first pivot mechanism via the at least one handle.

10. The printer of claim 7 , wherein the at least one spring is configured to extend or retract to move the removable cover, and wherein the removable cover has one or more guide members integrated on the at least one movable lever to ensure movement and alignment of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism.

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