Patent ID: 6382851
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printer comprising:a flat case with an openable cover having substantially a flat top surface and a sheet pressing member, the case housing a printing mechanism and a sheet storage portion for accommodating a plurality of printing sheets along the top surface, the sheet storage portion having first and second ends, the printing mechanism having a pick-up roller for picking up a thermal sheet from the sheet storage portion, a platen roller for feeding the thermal sheet, and a thermal head for printing on the thermal sheet, the printing mechanism and the sheet storage portion being arranged along the top surface such that said sheet storage portion is covered by said cover, the pick-up roller being adjacent said sheet storage portion and below said sheet pressing member of the cover, said sheet pressing member pressing said sheet against said pick-up roller when said cover is closed; and an exit slot formed in the top surface of the case for feeding out the sheet after printing, said printing mechanism, including the pick-up roller, the sheet pressing member and the exit slot being located adjacent the first end of the sheet storage portion; the path of travel of the sheet from the pick-up roller passing about the platen roller to the exit slot, the entire path of travel of the sheet, from the pick-up roller to the exit slot, being located at the first end of the sheet storage portion.