Patent ID: 6118469
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B26D,B41J

Abstract:
A thermal printer for printing on a recording medium adapted to be driven along a path through the printer, the thermal printer comprising:a frame;a thermal print head movably supported by the frame, the thermal print head having a printing side surface and an upper end, and carrying a substrate including printing elements adapted to contact the recording medium;a cover hinged to the frame, the cover being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the frame;an elastomeric platen roller rotatably supported by the cover, the path of the recording medium passing between the substrate and the platen roller; anda spring urging the thermal print head and the elastomeric platen roller relatively toward each other, the thermal print head being thereby adapted to press the printing elements against the recording medium, the thermal print head further defining a surface disposed above the substrate and positioned to intercept the elastomeric platen roller as the cover is moved to its closed position and having an area at least as large as the contact area of the elastomeric platen roller when the roller engages said intercepting surface as the cover is moved to its closed position.