Cartridge for storing a reserve of media and printer with a slot for such a cartridge.

Abstract

A support cartridge (100) comprising: a base (104) defining a support chamber and comprising a lower wall and an opposing upper wall; an identification circuit disposed on the lower wall, the identification circuit being configured to engage with an electronic interface of a printer; a rim (132) on the upper wall of the base, the rim being configured to receive downward pressure from an internal surface of a printer cover in a closed position; wherein the identification circuit is aligned with the rim to receive at least a portion of the downward pressure. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cartridge for storing a reserve of media and printer comprising a housing for such a cartridge. CONTEXT

[0001] A media processing device, such as a label printer, can store a reserve of media to be processed, for example, by printing or by applying markings to the media. When the media reserve stored by the media processing device is depleted, it can be replenished by accessing the device to install a new reserve, such as a new roll of labels. However, replenishing the media reserve in the manner described above can be time-consuming and prone to improper media installation, which can negatively impact the performance of the media processing device. Brief description of the drawings

[0002] The accompanying figures, where analogous reference figures refer to identical or functionally similar elements in the different views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated into and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts which comprise the claimed invention, and to explain the various principles and advantages of these embodiments.

[0003] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a support cartridge, taken from high.

[0004] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is an isometric view of the support cartridge of the [Fig.1], shot from below.

[0005] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the support cartridge of the [Fig.1].

[0006] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a diagram of a printer intended for use with the support cartridge of the [Fig.l].

[0007] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a diagram of the printer in [Fig. 4] in which the cartridge of [Fig.1] is installed.

[0008] [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the printer and the cartridge of the [Fig.5], with the printer cover in the closed position.

[0009] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is an isometric view of another support cartridge, taken From above.

[0010] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a diagram of another example of a printer.

[0011] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a diagram of a support cartridge intended to be used with the printer of [Fig.8], viewed from below.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for the sake of simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] The elements of the apparatus and the method have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only the specific details that are relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art benefiting from this description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Support supplies, such as label rolls used in printers, require periodic replacement, for example, when the media supported by the roll or other structure is exhausted. Label printers may require the media to be fed through a roller system inside the printer, which complicates the loading and unloading process and can lead to incorrectly installed media supplies.

[0015] A replaceable media cartridge containing the aforementioned media reserve can mitigate some of the aforementioned complication by providing an instant loading mechanism for loading new media into a printer. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such cartridges may have various physical characteristics to mitigate printer malfunctions, such as media jams and the like. Third-party cartridges (for example, those manufactured by an entity other than the printer manufacturer) may lack such characteristics, or imperfectly reproduce them, resulting in suboptimal printing and / or printer damage.Printer and media manufacturers can therefore implement mechanisms to warn operators or interrupt printer operation when such a third-party cartridge is installed. Some mechanisms may involve physically placing cartridge components, such as an identification chip (also called an "ID chip"), in contact with printer components, such as an electrical interface for reading the aforementioned chip. Imperfect contact between the chip and the interface can lead to printer malfunctions.

[0016] The invention relates to cartridge features and complementary printer features that ensure good contact between the chip of the aforementioned identification and the printer interface, and / or which further simplify the removal and installation of the cartridge.

[0017] The present invention relates to examples of a media cartridge comprising: a base defining a media chamber and comprising a lower wall and an opposite upper wall; an identification circuit disposed on the lower wall, the identification circuit being configured to engage with an electronic interface of a printer; a rim on the upper wall of the base, the rim being configured to receive downward pressure from an internal surface of a cover of the printer in a closed position; wherein the identification circuit is aligned with the rim to receive at least a portion of the downward pressure.

[0018] The present invention relates to other examples of a media cartridge, comprising: a base defining a media chamber having an opening for receiving a media supply; a cover comprising: a perimeter configured to engage with the opening of the media chamber and enclose the media chamber; and a guide feature defining a portion of the cover configured to be gripped to manipulate the cartridge for its installation or removal from a printer.

[0019] The present invention relates to further examples of a printer, comprising: a housing defining a media enclosure configured to receive a media cartridge, the media enclosure having a lower wall for supporting the media cartridge, opposing side walls, a rear wall and a front wall defining a media outlet; a cover rotatably coupled to the housing and movable between a closed position to enclose the media enclosure, and an open position; an electronic interface on the lower wall, configured to engage with a media cartridge identification chip; a contact region on an inner surface of the cover, the contact region being configured to exert downward pressure on the media cartridge when the cover is in the closed position;in which the electronic interface is aligned with the rim to transfer downward pressure from the contact area to the electronic interface via the identification chip.

[0020] Fig. 1 represents a support cartridge 100, also referred to here simply as the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 is configured to store a reserve of support, such as a roll of adhesive labels, paper or the like, although the cartridge 100 is shown in an empty state in Fig. 1.

[0021] The cartridge 100 includes a base 104 which defines a support chamber for holding the aforementioned support roller. The cartridge 100 also includes a cover 108 which is configured, when the cartridge 100 is assembled as represented in [Fig. 1], to engage with the base 104 to enclose the aforementioned support chamber. The cover 108 can also be coupled with certain internal elements of the cartridge 100 that support the support roller, as seen below.

[0022] The cartridge 100 includes a media outlet 112 from which the media is dispensed from the media chamber, for example in the direction 116 shown in [Fig. 1]. The media can be dispensed from the cartridge 100 by one or more components of a media handling device such as a printer. Examples of such components include a print cylinder and a print head which together form a gap through which the media is drawn from the cartridge for processing and then dispensed from the printer.

[0023] When the cartridge is fully assembled, the base 104 and the cover 108 cooperate to define the support outlet 112, as shown in [Fig. 1]. To this end, the base 104 includes a lower portion 120 of the support outlet 112, along which the support moves in the direction 116 to exit the cartridge 100. The lower portion 120 of the support outlet 112 can be formed as a single piece with a front wall 122 of the base 104. The cover 108 includes an upper portion 124 of the support outlet 112 configured to come into contact with an upper surface of the support when the support exits the cartridge 100, for example, to dampen the retraction of the support into the cartridge 100.

[0024] In addition to the front wall 122, the base 104 comprises side walls 126-1 and 126-2 (opposite the side wall 126-1, and therefore not visible in [Fig. 1]). Together with other walls of the base 104, which will be discussed below, the side walls 126 define the aforementioned support chamber.

[0025] The cartridge 100 is loaded into a printer in a downward direction 128, that is, substantially vertically. Conversely, the cartridge 100 is removed from the printer in a direction opposite to 128, for example, when the media in the cartridge 100 is exhausted or another type of media is required. The cartridge 100 includes certain structural features to facilitate its installation and removal from the printer, as well as to maintain the cartridge 100's position within the printer when installed.

[0026] More specifically, the cartridge 100 includes a rim 132 that is configured to interact with an element of the aforementioned printer to exert downward pressure (i.e., a force substantially in the direction 128) when the cartridge 100 is installed in the printer. Furthermore, the cartridge 100 includes a guiding feature, examples of which are discussed below, defining a part of the cover 108 which is configured to be grasped (for example by a printer operator) to manipulate the cartridge for its installation or removal from the printer.

[0027] In the present example, the guide element comprises a first handle 136-1 on a first side of the cover 108, implemented as a notch in the cover 108 relative to the side wall 126-1 of the base 104. In the illustrated example, the notch defining the handle 136-1 extends into the base 104 itself, in the form of a cutout 140-1 at the upper edge of the side wall 126-1. The cover 108 may include a second handle on the opposite side of the handle 126-1 (not visible in [Fig. 1]), and the base 104 may also include a second cutout in the side wall 126-2, corresponding to the second handle of the cover 108.

[0028] Furthermore, in the present example, the cover 108 includes additional guiding features. For example, the cover 108 may include a label placement area 144, for instance visually indicated by a pair of ribs 148 extending from a top surface of the cover 108. A label (not shown) may be placed on the cover 108, extending from the side wall 126-2 to the side wall 126-1 between the ribs 148. As will be seen, such a label can serve both to fix the cover 108 to the side walls 126 of the base 104, and to provide visual guidance to the handles 136.

[0029] In other examples, the cover 108 may further include guiding features, such as textured elements (e.g., ribs, channels, or the like) on shoulders 152 of the cover 108, providing both visual indications that the shoulders 152 are suitable for gripping the cartridge 100 from above, and a surface texture to facilitate this gripping. The handles 136, when present in conjunction with the textured elements on the shoulders 152, may define a gap within the textured elements (e.g., the handles 136 need not necessarily include the textured elements). In other examples, the textured elements may also be present within the handles 136.

[0030] With reference to [Fig. 2], the cartridge 100 also includes structural features for aligning the cartridge 100 in the printer during installation. In the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 includes an alignment rib 200 extending from a lower wall 204 of the base 104. The alignment rib 200 is configured to engage with a complementary alignment channel of a printer, constraining the position of the cartridge 100 inside the printer. when cartridge 100 is installed in the printer (i.e. preventing the installation of cartridge 100 in an incorrect orientation).

[0031] In the present example, the alignment rib 200 is a T-shaped rib comprising a stem 208 and an arm 212. As shown in [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 1], a front surface 216 of the arm 212 is contiguous with the front wall 122 of the base 104. In other examples, however, the arm 212 may be arranged on the lower wall 204 such that the front surface 216 is spaced (towards the rear) from the front wall 122. Furthermore, the arm 212 extends across the width (between the side walls 126) of the base 104 in the present example. In other examples, the arm 212 may have a reduced length, so that the arm 212 extends only over a portion of the width of the base 104.

[0032] The stem 208 of the alignment rib 200 is centrally located on the lower wall 204 and orthogonally to the arm 212. The stem 208 extends between the arm 212 and a rear end of the lower wall 204, where the lower wall meets a rear wall 220 of the base 104. In other examples, the length of the stem 208 may be reduced. In other examples, the stem 208 may be positioned off-center with respect to the arm 212, so that the stem 208 is closer, for example, to the side wall 126-1 than to the opposite side wall 126-2.

[0033] The cartridge 100 also includes an additional alignment feature in the present example, in the form of an alignment edge 224 extending from the rear wall 220 of the base 104. The edge 224, in the present example, is contiguous with the rod 208 and extends from the rod 208 to an upper end of the base 104, adjacent to the cover 108. In particular, the rim 132 is defined on an upper end of the edge 224 in this example, and is therefore located adjacent to the rear edge of the cover 108.

[0034] The edge 224 is wedge-shaped in this example, having a greater width W1 near the upper end of the base 104 (i.e., near the rim 132) than a width W2 near the rod 208. The edge 224 is configured to engage with a complementary channel of the printer to guide the cartridge 100 into position when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the printer. In other examples, the edge 224 does not need to be contiguous with the rod 208. For example, the edge 220 may terminate above the lower wall 204 so that the edge 220 does not reach the rod 208.

[0035] The cartridge 100 also includes, in the illustrated example, an identification circuit 228 disposed on one of its external surfaces. In the present example, the circuit 228 is disposed on the lower wall of the stem 204, and specifically on a lower surface of the stem 208 of the alignment rib 200. The circuit 228 can be implemented, for example, in the form of a circuit A suitable integrated circuit, readable by the printer after the cartridge 100 is installed, is available via an electrical interface on the printer. The circuit 228 can store information such as a unique identifier for the cartridge 100, a manufacturer's identifier for the cartridge 100, data defining the type and / or initial quantity of media in the cartridge 100, an encryption key or other authentication data, and similar information. The printer can therefore read the circuit 228 to obtain the aforementioned data and determine, for example, whether the cartridge 100 is manufactured by an authorized media supplier for the printer.

[0036] When a cartridge is installed that lacks circuit 228, or in which circuit 228 contains data that does not meet the printer's criteria, the printer may interrupt operation, generate warning notifications, or similar notifications. For example, the printer may simply not operate when circuit 228 is not detected, or when a detected circuit 228 does not contain information that meets the printer's criteria. In other examples, when the printer fails to detect circuit 228 or detects a non-compliant circuit, the printer may operate in a reduced-functionality mode (for example, a secure mode).

[0037] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, firm (or consistent) contact between circuit 228 and the corresponding electrical interface in the printer can prevent interruptions, warnings, and the like due to a loss of communication between circuit 228 and the printer (rather than due to the fact that cartridge 100 is an authorized cartridge). The rim 132 shown with reference to [Fig. 1], and also illustrated in [Fig. 2], serves to mitigate the loss of connection between circuit 228 and the printer. In particular, as previously noted, the rim 132 receives downward pressure from a component of the printer (in particular, an internal surface of a printer cover). Rim 132 and circuit 228 are aligned so that a substantial portion of the downward pressure is transferred from rim 132 to circuit 228, causing circuit 228 to come into contact with the printer's electrical interface.

[0038] The alignment between the flange 132 and the circuit 228 will be discussed in more detail below. In the present example, this alignment is provided, at least in part, by positioning the circuit 228 adjacent to the rear end of the rod 208 (i.e., adjacent to a rear end of the lower wall 204), and by positioning the flange 132 adjacent to a rear edge of the base 104 (i.e., adjacent to the rear wall 220). Therefore, a load path between the flange 132 and the circuit 228 is substantially vertical (e.g., at about 20 degrees from the vertical).

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 3], the cartridge 100 is shown in a disassembled state. In particular, the cover 108 is shown disassembled from the base 104 to reveal the support chamber 300 inside the base 104, which houses the support reserve when the cartridge 100 is assembled.

[0040] The support chamber 300 has an opening defined by an upper wall 304 of the base 104, which forms a perimeter of the opening. The rim 132 extends from a portion of the upper wall 304 defined by the apex of the edge 224, and the cutouts 140-1 and 140-2 are defined along portions of the upper wall 304 above each side wall 126.

[0041] The cartridge 100 also includes a pair of fins 308-1, 308-2 connected to the cover 108. The fins 308 can be rotated relative to the cover 108 around joints defined at the handles 136, such as live hinges. The cover 108 and the fins 600 can be manufactured as a single, integrated element (for example, by injection molding, as previously mentioned), whereas the base 104 can be manufactured as a separate element. In some examples, however, the entire cartridge 100 can be manufactured as a single, integrated element, for example, by injection molding. In these examples, the cover 108 can be connected to the base 104 by a hinge (for example, a live hinge) adjacent to the rim 132 (the rim 132 being at the rear of the hinge).

[0042] A support roller can be placed between the fins 308 and under the cover 108, and the fins 308 can then be rotated towards each other as indicated by the arrows 312 to reach the positions illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Each fin defines a pin 316 extending inwards to support the support roller. When the cylinder is supported by the fins 308, the fins 308 are inserted into the support chamber 300 until the cover 108 rests on the upper wall 304 (or at least a portion thereof, excluding the portion supporting the rim 132).

[0043] The fins 308 may include locking elements configured to engage with openings 324 in the base 104 to secure the fins 308 and the cover 108 to the base after assembly. The aforementioned tab may also be used to secure the cover 108 and the fins 308 to the base. As can now be seen, when the support roller is loaded between the fins 308, the center of gravity of the cartridge 100 is substantially on the axis of rotation defined by the pins 316. In other words, the center of gravity of the cartridge 100 is directly below (i.e., vertically aligned with) the handles 136, so that when the cartridge is lifted by the handles 136, the rotational movement of the cartridge 100 due to gravity is dampened or prevented.

[0044] With reference to [Fig. 4], a 400 printer with which the 100 cartridge can be used is illustrated. The 400 printer, for example, a label printer office, includes a housing 404 to receive the cartridge 100. The housing 404, in particular, includes a set of internal walls defining a support enclosure, and a set of external walls 408 enveloping the support enclosure and other internal elements of the printer 400.

[0045] The internal walls comprise first and second side walls 412-1 and 412-2, a bottom wall 416, a rear wall 420, and a front wall 422. The media from the cartridge is dispensed from the enclosure formed inside the housing 404 by means of a print head assembly 424 supported by the housing 404, and a print cylinder 428 supported by a cover 432. When the cover 432 is closed, the print cylinder 428 cooperates with the print head 424 to form a gap through which the media is drawn from the cartridge 100 for processing and dispensing from the printer 400.

[0046] The enclosure delimited by the internal walls of the housing 404 includes an alignment channel 436 defined in the lower wall 416. The channel 436, in the illustrated example, has a T-shape complementary to the shape of the alignment rib 200 discussed above. The housing 404 also defines a rear alignment channel 440, in the rear wall 420, which is complementary to the shape of the edge 224 discussed above. Thus, when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the printer 400, the edge 224 engages with the channel 440 to guide the rib 200 into the channel 436. The rib 200 and the edge 224 of the cartridge 100, together with the channels 436 and 440, can also prevent the cartridge 100 from being inserted in an incorrect orientation (for example, with the media outlet 112 facing the cover 432 rather than the print head 424).

[0047] The printer 400 also includes, in the channel 436, an electrical interface 444 configured to engage with the circuit 228 when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the housing 404. The cover 432 is configured to apply downward pressure to the cover 108 above the circuit 228 and the interface 444, to drive the circuit 228 into firm contact with the interface 444. In particular, the cover 432 includes a contact region, such as a pressure bar 448 on an internal surface thereof. The pressure bar 448 is configured, when the cover 432 rotates from the illustrated open position to a closed position, to exert downward pressure on the identification circuit 228 via the rim 132 and the edge 224. Such downward pressure can serve to ensure contact between the circuit 228 and the interface 444.

[0048] With reference to [Fig. 5], the cartridge 100 is shown in the installed position within the printer housing 400. As seen in [Fig. 5], when the cover 432 is turned into the closed position in the direction 500, the pressure bar 448 is brought into engagement with the rim 132 and exerts downward pressure on the rim 132. This downward pressure is transferred via the previously mentioned load path to circuit 228 to drive circuit 228 into engagement with the interface 444 of the printer 400.

[0049] In other examples, the pressure bar 448 and the rim 132 can be configured so that only certain parts of the pressure bar 448 come into contact with certain parts of the rim 132. For example, the pressure bar 448 can be formed so that the end regions come into contact with the ends of the rim 132, while the central region of the pressure bar 448 and the rim 132 do not come into contact. In other examples, the ends of the pressure bar 448 can be configured to crush the ends of the rim 132 to retain the cartridge 100. For example, the pressure bar 448 can extend further into the enclosure than illustrated in [Fig.4] (when the cover 432 is closed), as well as in front of the central part of the rim 132 so that the pressure bar 448 only comes into contact with the sides of the rim 132.

[0050] The printer 400 also includes features to facilitate the installation and removal of the cartridge. In particular, the printer 400 includes an upper wall 504 joining the outer walls 408 with the inner walls forming the enclosure that holds the cartridge 100. The printer 400 includes at least one notch at the intersection of the upper wall and each side wall 412. In the illustrated example, the printer 400 includes a first notch 508-1 and a second notch 508-2 at the intersections of the side walls 412-1 and 412-2 with the upper wall 504, respectively. The notches 508, as seen in [Fig. 5], are positioned so as to be adjacent to the handles 136 of the cartridge.The notches 508 allow an operator of the printer 400 to insert fingers between the side walls 412 and the cartridge 100, to grasp the cartridge (for example by the handles 136) and remove the cartridge 100 from the printer 400.

[0051] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section of the printer 400 with the cartridge 100 installed therein, showing the pressure bar 448 in contact with the rim 132, and the relative positions of the circuit 228 and the interface 444. As shown in Fig. 6, the load path 600 between the rim 132 and the circuit 228 is substantially vertical.

[0052] Other examples of guiding features are envisaged. For example, as shown in [Fig. 7], the aforementioned label 700 applied to the cartridge 100 may include a folded area 704 in the center of the cartridge 100. The fold 704 thus forms a tab extending upwards from the top of the cartridge 100, allowing the tab to be grasped to lift the cartridge 100. In other examples, such a tab may be provided in a manner other than a fold in the label 700. For example, the label 700 may include a tab affixed to it. In other examples, the cartridge 100 itself may include a tab formed as a single piece with the lid 108. In other examples, the label 700 may extend over the side walls of the cartridge 100, rather than terminating at the edges of the lid 108, as shown in [Fig. 7].

[0053] In other examples, the cartridge 100 and the printer 400 may include additional alignment features to maintain the position of the cartridge 100 inside the printer 400 and, in turn, maintain the position of the circuit 228 relative to the interface 444. With reference to [Fig. 8], an example of a printer 400a is shown, comprising a housing 404a and a cover 432a. Except for the features indicated below, the elements of the printer 400a are as described above in connection with the printer 400.

[0054] The printer 400a includes a rod 800 adjacent to the interface 444a, and a second rod or rib 804 at a forward end of the alignment channel 436a. The rod 800 and the rib 804 extend upward from a lower surface of the enclosure defined inside the housing 404a and engage with corresponding hole and slot features of a cartridge, which will be discussed further below. In particular, the rod 800 and the rib 804 enable the printer 400a to maintain cartridge alignment under varying environmental conditions. The cartridge may be made of foam paper or other similar materials and may therefore expand or contract depending on the temperature and humidity of the operating environment.These expansions and contractions can cause misalignment of the cartridge, resulting in suboptimal print quality and / or disengagement of circuit 228 with interface 444a.

[0055] Positioning the rod 800 adjacent to the interface 444a constrains the position of the cartridge near the circuit 228 so that even in the presence of contraction or expansion of the cartridge material, the movement of the circuit 228 itself is constrained. Furthermore, the rod 800 and the rib 804 are aligned with the direction of media movement, so that expansion or contraction of the cartridge in response to environmental conditions is less likely to cause the cartridge to rotate inside the printer 400a and distribute the media in a direction that is not parallel to the media path defined by the printer 400a.

[0056] Figure 8 also shows that the cover 432a of the printer 400a includes a pressure bar 448a which extends further from the inner surface of the cover 448a than the pressure bar 448 described previously. Increased depth of pressure bar 448a allows firm contact with the cartridge under various environmental conditions, for example either by pressing or crushing (depending on the size modified by the environment of the cartridge) the rim 132 as previously mentioned.

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 9], a cartridge 100a intended for use with the printer 400a is illustrated from below. The cartridge 100a, in addition to the features of the cartridge 100 described previously, includes a hole 900 and a slot 904 configured to receive the rod 800 and the edge 804, respectively. As seen in [Fig. 9], the hole 900 is adjacent to the circuit 228.

[0058] In the preceding specifications, specific embodiments have been described. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specifications and figures should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this document.

[0059] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced shall not be construed as crucial, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the existence of this application and all equivalents of such claims as issued.

[0060] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "includes," "comprised," "has," "having," "includes," "comprising," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, comprises, or contains a list of elements does not only include those elements but may include other elements not expressly enumerated or inherent in such a process, method, article, or apparatus. An element treated by "includes ... a," "has ... a," "includes ... a," "contains ... a""A" does not exclude, without further constraints, the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus which includes, has, comprises, contains the element. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about". or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to what a person skilled in the art would understand, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined to the nearest 10%, in another embodiment to the nearest 5%, in another embodiment to the nearest 1%, and in yet another embodiment to the nearest 0.5%. The term "coupled" as used here is defined as related, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured at least in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0061] It will be appreciated that certain embodiments may include one or more specialized processors (or "processing devices") such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, custom processors, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and unique stored program instructions (comprising both software and firmware) that command the processor(s) to implement, together with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the process and / or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all of the functions could be implemented by a state machine that does not have stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or certain combinations of certain functions are implemented as custom logic.Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

[0062] Furthermore, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code stored thereon, for programming a computer (for example, comprising a processor), in order to execute a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and Flash memory.Furthermore, it is expected that a person skilled in the art, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and numerous design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed here, will readily be able to generate these instructions and software programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0063] The disclosure summary is provided to enable the reader to quickly discern the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the preceding detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped into various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining disclosure. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly listed in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each stand-alone claim as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

Demands

1. A cartridge for storing a reserve of media (100), comprising: - a base (104) defining a media chamber and including a lower wall (416) and an opposing upper wall (504); - an identification circuit (228) disposed on the lower wall, the identification circuit being configured to engage with an electronic interface of a printer; - a rim (132) on the upper wall of the base, the rim being configured to receive downward pressure from an internal surface of a cover of the printer when the cover is in a closed position; - a rear wall (200) connecting the lower wall (416) and the upper wall (504); - a front wall (122), opposite the rear wall, defining a media outlet (112); - a cover (108) configured to engage with a first portion of the upper wall to enclose the media chamber;and -a guide element (136-1) defining a portion of the cover configured to be gripped to manipulate the cartridge for its installation or removal from a printer; -in which the identification circuit is aligned with the rim to receive at least a portion of the downward pressure, -the identification circuit (228) is disposed on the lower wall adjacent to the rear wall, and -the rim is located on the upper wall adjacent to the rear wall.;

2. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the lower wall comprises an alignment rib (200) configured to engage with a complementary lower channel of a printer housing, the channel containing the electrical interface; and - wherein the identification chip is disposed on a lower surface of the alignment rib.

3. Cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the rear wall comprises an alignment edge (224) extending to the upper wall, and configured to engage with a complementary rear channel in the printer housing (404); and wherein the rim is on a portion of the upper wall defined by the alignment edge.

4. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rim extends upwards from the upper wall.

5. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a load path (600) between the rim and the identification chip is substantially vertical.

6. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rim is disposed adjacent to a second part of the upper wall adjacent to a rear edge of the cover.

7. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the guide element (136-1) comprises handles (136) in the sides of the cover.

8. Cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the handles are arranged above a center of mass of the cartridge.

9. Cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the guide element (136-1) comprises a label disposed on the lid, the label comprising a tab extending upwards from the lid.

10. Cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising: -an internal pin supporting a support roller; -in which the center of mass of the cartridge is defined by the pin.

11. Cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of (i) a hole adjacent to the identification circuit, the hole being configured to receive an alignment rod of a printer, and (ii) a slot configured to receive an additional alignment feature of the printer.

12. Cartridge for storing a reserve of media, comprising: -a base (104) defining a media chamber having an opening for receiving a media supply; -a cover (108) comprising: —a perimeter configured to engage with the opening of the media chamber and enclose the media chamber; and —a guide element (136-1) defining a portion of the cover configured to be grasped for handling the cartridge.

13. Cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the guide element (136-1) has handles (136) in the sides of the cover.

14. Cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the handles are arranged above a center of mass of the cartridge.

15. Cartridge according to claim 14, further comprising: -an internal pin (316) supporting a support roller; -in which the center of mass is defined by the pin.

16. Cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the guide element (136-1) includes a label placement region for receiving a label passing through the cover from a first side of the cartridge to a second side of the cartridge.

17. Printer (400), comprising: -a housing defining a media enclosure configured to receive a cartridge (100) for storing a reserve of media, the media enclosure having a lower wall for supporting the media cartridge, opposing side walls, a rear wall and a front wall defining a media outlet; -a cover (108) rotatably coupled to the housing and movable between a closed position to enclose the media enclosure, and an open position; -an electronic interface on the lower wall, configured to engage with a media cartridge identification chip; -a contact region on an internal surface of the cover, the contact region being configured to exert downward pressure on the media cartridge when the cover is in the closed position;-a rod (800) extending from the lower wall adjacent to the electronic interface (444a) for engagement with a hole (900) in the support cartridge; -a rib (804) extending from a front portion of the lower wall for engagement with a hole in the support cartridge -in which the electronic interface is aligned with a rim (132) of the cartridge to transfer downward pressure from the contact region to the electronic interface via the identification chip.;

18. Printer according to claim 17, wherein the housing comprises: -a set of external walls surrounding the bottom wall (204), the side walls (126), the rear wall and the front wall; -an upper wall (504) joining the external walls to the side walls of the support enclosure; and -a defined notch at the intersection of the top wall and each side wall to facilitate gripping the support cartridge.