Abstract:
A printer having improved operational features. The printer includes an articulating print frame assembly coupled to a top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The printer may include at least one media support member with a media adjustment channel disposed therein, a media adjustment member slidingly disposed through each of the media adjustment channels, and a resilient member configured to apply friction between each of the media adjustment members and the corresponding media support member.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to continuous feed printers, and more particularly, to a label or thermal printer having an articulating print frame assembly and an adjustable media support. The disclosed printer also includes a fixed or adjustable media sensor, and is configurable to accommodate an internal supply of web (roll) media or an external or internal supply of fanfold media. 
         [0002]    Label or thermal desktop printers are often used in commercial settings, e.g., in warehouses, in industrial and manufacturing environments, by shipping services, in restaurants, in the vending and gaming industries, and in other establishments for ticket printing, asset tracking, and inventory control. Generally, the printers weigh only a few pounds and are small enough to be readily provisioned in a work environment without significant site preparation. Such a printer may be operatively associated with an internal or external power supply that converts line voltage to the operating voltage(s) required by the printer. The printer may additionally or alternatively include a power source, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery, and may additionally communicate with a host terminal or network connection via a wired or wireless interface, such as an RS-232, Ethernet, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, or optical interface. 
         [0003]    A printer may utilize sheet-fed media, or, more popularly, continuous-feed media, e.g., rolls of paper, labels, tags, and the like. The printers commonly employ direct thermal transfer techniques, whereby thermochromic media passes over a thermal print head which selectively heats areas of the media to create a visible image. Also popular are thermal transfer printers which employ a heat-sensitive ribbon to transfer images to media. 
         [0004]    A continuous feed printer is particularly suitable for printing onto stock material which may include, but is not necessarily limited to, labels, receipts, item labels, shelf labels/tags, ticket stubs, stickers, hang tags, price stickers, and the like. Such media may be provided in a web or roll configuration, or alternatively may be provided in a fanfold configuration, whereby individual media units (e.g., sheets or tags) are joined at the corresponding edges thereof and stacked in a zigzag manner. 
         [0005]    In the case of continuous roll media, the media may be wound around a generally tubular core which supports the roll media. The core may have a standard size, or arbitrarily-sized inner diameter. Roll media is available in a wide range of widths and a wide range of diameters. 
         [0006]    The adjacent edges of contiguous fanfold media units may include scoring or perforations to facilitate stacking and/or separation of the individual media units. Fanfold media may also be provided in a wide variety of widths. 
         [0007]    Label printers may incorporate a media supply of self-adhesive labels adhered to a coated substrate wound in a rolled configuration. Alternatively, a media supply may include a plain paper roll suitable for ink-based, toner-based, direct thermal-based, or thermal transfer-based printing. During use, media may be drawn against a printing head, which, in turn, causes images to be created on the media stock by, e.g., impact printing (dot matrix, belt printing), by localized heating of thermochromic media (direct thermal printing), by transferring temperature-sensitive ink from a ribbon to the print media (thermal transfer printing), inkjet printing, toner-based printing, or other suitable printing methods. 
         [0008]    The printers may be designed for use with one type of printing media or one particular size of print media, e.g., 2-inch label stock or 3-inch label stock. Other printers may be configurable to accommodate different media types and sizes. Such printers may include a media centering mechanism which is designed to accommodate roll media of varying widths and/or core diameters. The media centering mechanism may include opposing support members configured to engage the media roll core. A media centering mechanism typically includes first and second support members that are generally biased towards each other to secure the media roll. Movement of the first and second support members may be synchronized by one or more gears or belts such that, when a support member is moved a distance from the centerline of the media roll, the other support member moves a corresponding distance in the opposing direction from the centerline of the media roll. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present disclosure is directed to a printer. The printer includes a housing having a bottom chassis, and a hinged top cover that is operatively associated with an articulating print frame assembly contained therein. The top cover is selectively movable between a closed position, suitable for printer operation, and an open position. The open position of the top cover is suitable for the loading of media, e.g., roll media or fanfold media, and for the configuration of the printer for the desired media, e.g., adjustment or installation of media guide elements as discussed in detail herein. The print frame assembly includes supports for a transfer ribbon supply roll and a transfer ribbon take-up roll, and is pivotable between a closed position, wherein the print frame is pivoted towards the top cover, and an open position wherein the print frame swings away from the top cover to provide access to the supply ribbon support and the take-up ribbon support. A print head is operatively positioned between the transfer ribbon supply roll and the transfer ribbon take-up roll. During use, transfer ribbon is supplied from the transfer ribbon supply roll, over a print head, and to the transfer ribbon take-up roll. 
         [0010]    The disclosed printer includes a lockout link that cooperates with the top cover and print frame assembly that prevents the top cover from being moved from an open to a closed position when the print frame is in an open position. 
         [0011]    The disclosed printer may also include at least one media support member which includes a media adjustment channel disposed in each of the media support members. A media adjustment member may be slidingly disposed through each of the media adjustment channels and a resilient member may be included to apply friction between the media adjustment member and the corresponding media support member. The resilient member may be a spring which is held in place by a retaining member, such as, without limitation, a screw. In a preferred embodiment, two media support members are included wherein the two media support members are reciprocally movable along a transverse axis of the printer and are configured to support media therebetween. 
         [0012]    Additionally, or alternatively, a stop may be provided which may be selectively adjustable along a transverse axis of the printer and adapted to prevent transverse motion of the single or multiple media support members. The media adjustment members may also include a tab which is configured to engage with a corresponding tab receiving member of the media support member. Additionally, or alternatively, the media support member may also include a detent which is configured to receive the corresponding media adjustment member. Further, the media adjustment member may also include an engaging member and a shaft which is slidingly disposed in the media adjustment channel. 
         [0013]    The print frame includes a transverse media guide bar pivotably mounted thereto. The media guide includes a biasing member, e.g., a torsion-spring, that biases the guide bar against the ribbon to take up slack and maintain tautness along the ribbon traversal. The guide bar include a smooth, arcuate surface over which the media passes and which facilitates unwavering deliver of media and transfer ribbon to the print head, which improves print quality and reduces the likelihood of malfunction, e.g., jams, irregular print, and the like. 
         [0014]    The disclosed printer also includes a media sensor that may be provisioned in a fixed configuration or an adjustable configuration. The disclosed printer may be additionally or alternatively be configured to accommodate an internal supply of web (roll) media, or an external or internal supply of fanfold media. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, a printer in accordance with the present disclosure includes a dual wall, frame housing that provides improved strength and shock resistance. The dual wall construction includes a continuous inner frame structure adapted to support one or more internal printer components, which may include, without limitation, a printhead, a roller assembly, a drive assembly, media centering assembly, and/or a battery assembly. The inner frame is surrounded at least in part by a second, outer structure that provides additional stiffness, strength, and drop resistance. The housing includes a media access opening and a corresponding media access cover configured to facilitate the loading of media into the printer. The size of the media access opening is kept to the minimum size necessary to accommodate the media for use with the printer. By minimizing the media opening, greater space is available for the inner frame and/or the outer structure, further improving the strength, rigidity, and impact resistance of the printer. 
         [0016]    The disclosed printer may include one or more connectors that extend from the interior of housing to the exterior. While the connector(s) may include an electrical connector, other connector types are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., moisture-proof connectors, fluidic connectors, security connectors (e.g., K-Slot), and the like. In embodiments, two electrical connectors are provided, wherein a first connector is adapted to couple a source of electrical power to the printer and a second connector is adapted to couple a data signal to the printer. In embodiments, the disclosed printer may include a USB connector, a serial (e.g., RS-232, RS-422, RS-485), connector, a Firewire (IEEE-1394) connector, a network (10 Base-T, 100 Base-T, and 1000 Base-T) connector, and/or a parallel (IEEE 1284) connector. 
         [0017]    Also disclosed is print frame lockout mechanism. The mechanism includes an upper chassis that is pivotable about a hinge between a closed position and an open position. An arcuate friction member is disposed about the hinge and includes a notch defined therein. A print frame is pivotably coupled to the upper chassis and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The mechanism further includes a lockout link having a first end operably coupled to the print frame, and a second end having a pawl. When the print frame is in an open position, the pawl engages the notch, which, in turn, prevents the upper chassis and/or cover from pivoting. The arcuate friction member may include one or more detents configured to support the upper chassis in a fixed position. The disclosed mechanism may additionally or alternatively include a first pin extending from the print frame assembly that is configured to engage a corresponding opening defined in an upper portion of the lockout link, a second pin extending from the upper chassis, and a slot defined in the lockout link that slidably engages the second pin. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, a printer in accordance with the present disclosure includes a bottom housing having a top cover coupled thereto. The top cover is adapted to rotate away from the bottom housing to an open position and rotate toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The printer includes a print frame assembly coupled to the top cover that is adapted to rotate out of the top cover to an open position and to rotate into the top cover to a closed position. When the print frame is in an open position, the top cover is prevented from rotating toward the bottom housing to a closed position. The disclosed printer may include a means for retaining the print frame assembly in a closed position, such as without limitation, a latch. The print frame includes a print head for transferring indicia onto the print media. 
         [0019]    A media sensor may be disposed along the path of the print media (e.g., the feed patch) and in an embodiment may be adjustable along an axis transverse to the print path. In embodiments, the print frame assembly may include a media guide pivotably mounted thereto by at least one side arm. The media guide includes a biasing member, such as without limitation, a torsion-spring, that is configured to bias the media guide outward from the print frame assembly. The media guide may include an arcuate media-contacting surface. In embodiments, the printer includes first and second media support members that are reciprocally movable along a transverse axis of the printer and configured to support roll media held therebetween. An adjustable stop selectively adjustable along a transverse axis of the printer and adapted to prevent transverse motion of a media support member may additionally be included. In embodiments, the support member may configured to operably engage a fanfold guide. An elongate opening in an outer surface of the printer may be provided to facilitate the feeding of external media into the fanfold guide. Additionally or alternatively, fanfold media may be disposed internally and in between media support members. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Various embodiments of the subject instrument are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a view of an example embodiment of a printer in accordance with the present disclosure having a top cover in a closed position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment of a printer in accordance with the present disclosure having a top cover in an open position and a print frame in an open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment of a printer in accordance with the present disclosure having a top cover in an open position and a print frame in a closed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a view of a print frame module, lower chassis, and a lockout link of an example embodiment of a printer in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a view of a print frame module, lower chassis, and a lockout link of an example embodiment of a printer in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a view of the  FIG. 2  embodiment with the top cover removed which illustrates a print frame module and lockout link in an open position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a view of the  FIG. 3  embodiment with the top cover removed which illustrates a print frame module and lockout link in a closed position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a view of an example embodiment of a printer with media support members in a first position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a view of an example of the printer of  FIG. 8  with media support members in a second position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a media support member in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11A  is a rear view of an embodiment of a printer with a media adjustment assembly in a first position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11B  is a rear view of an embodiment of a printer with a media adjustment assembly in a second position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11C  is a rear view of an embodiment of a printer with a media adjustment assembly in a third position in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a detail view of an example embodiment of a media sensor assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a view of a printer with a media cartridge installed in the printer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a view othe media cartridge of  FIG. 13  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known and/or repetitive functions and constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In addition, as used herein, terms referencing orientation, e.g., “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, and the like, are used for illustrative purposes with reference to the figures and features shown therein. It is to be understood that embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be practiced in any orientation without limitation. In this description, as well as in the drawings, like-referenced numbers represent elements which may perform the same, similar, or equivalent functions. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 1 and 2  present an example embodiment of a printer  10  in accordance with the present disclosure. The printer  10  includes a bottom housing  18  and a selectively positionable top cover  11  that may be positioned in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 1  and an open position as shown in  FIG. 2 . Top cover  11  and bottom housing  18  are pivotably joined by a hinge  19 . Top cover  11  includes a user interface panel  12 , one or more user input devices  14 , and one or more indicators  13 . User interface panel  12  many be any suitable form of display panel, including without limitation an LCD screen. User input device  14  may be any suitable form of input device, e.g., a snap dome or membrane pushbutton switch. Indicator  13  may be any suitable indication, such as without limitation a light-emitting diode (LED). Indicator  13  may illuminate to indicate the status an operational parameter, e.g., power, ready, media empty, media jam, self test, and the like. Printer  10  includes a power switch  15 . A pair of latches  16  are disposed on either side of top cover  11  to retain top cover  11  in a closed position, and may be disengaged using finger pressure to facilitate opening of top cover  11 . A media door  17  provides an alternative point of egress for media, which may be advantageous with self adhesive labels whereby the labels peel away from the substrate upon exiting the printer. 
         [0039]    With regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , top cover  11  includes a print frame assembly  20  pivotably mounted therein. Print frame assembly  20  includes a ribbon supply roll  22  ( FIG. 3 ) and a ribbon take up roll  21  that are arranged to supply transfer ribbon (not explicitly shown) across a print head  68 . Print frame assembly  20  is selectively positionable between an open position as shown in  FIG. 2  and a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , print frame assembly  20  includes a latch  71  that engages a retaining pin (not explicitly shown) provided within top housing  11  to retain print frame assembly  20  in a closed position. A release  70  is operatively associated with latch  71  such that, when depressed, release  70  releases latch  71  from the retaining pin to enable print frame assembly  20  to swing outward from the closed position to an open position. 
         [0040]    Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , printer  10  includes a first and a second media support member  24 ,  25 , respectively, that are configured to support roll media  23  held therebetween. As will be further discussed below, first media guide member  27  and a second media guide member  28  are moveable along a transverse axis and are operatively associated with a second reciprocal movement mechanism (not explicitly shown) that is configured to translate a transverse movement of first media guide member  27  into a corresponding opposite transverse movement of second media support member  28 , and vice versa. A platen roller  29  opposes print head  68  when top cover  11  is in the closed position to ensure intimate contact between print head  68 , transfer ribbon (not explicitly shown), and media  23  during use, which, in turn, promotes consistent high print quality. Print head  68  includes a pair of fork-like saddles  44  that engage a portion of platen roller  29  to ensure precise alignment between print head  68  and platen roller  29  when top cover  11  is in a closed position. A tab  85  extends from print frame assembly  20  that is configured to engage a corresponding slot (not explicitly shown) provided in bottom housing  18  to enable the top cover  11  and/or the print frame  20  to close while ensuring the saddles  44  smoothly engage the platen roller  29  and/or a bushing (not explicitly shown) associated therewith. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4-7 , printer  10  includes a lockout link  30  that prevents closure of the top cover  11  when print frame assembly  20  is in an open position. An upper chassis  39  is provided within top cover  11 . Upper chassis  39  includes slot  74 . Print frame assembly  20  is pivotably joined to upper chassis  39  by a pair of pivots  72 . Arcuate friction member  32  is disposed about hinge  19  and is configured to slide through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 . Additionally or alternatively, a single detent  36  or a series of detents  36  on friction member  32  engages corresponding slot  74  in upper chassis  39 , which facilitates the positioning of top cover  11  in a fully open position, a fully closed position, and several intermediate positions therebetween. 
         [0042]    As best seen in  FIG. 4 , when print frame assembly  20  is in a closed position, pawl  38  of lockout link  30  is not disposed or otherwise extended through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 . In this position, upper chassis  39  and/or top cover  11  is not restricted from moving to a closed position, e.g. top cover  11  and/or upper chassis  39  can be pivoted counterclockwise. Specifically, with pawl  38  not disposed through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 , friction member  32  is free to slide through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 . A user may shift friction member  32  to the side using detent  36  to assist in sliding upper chassis  39  about friction member  32  through the slot  74 . 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a male protrusion  77  is shown disposed adjacent to slot  74  on upper chassis  39 . Male protrusion  77  is configured to fit in a female pocket  78  of the friction member  32 . When top cover  11  and/or upper chassis  39  is in the open position, male protrusion  77  rests within female pocket  78  of friction member  32  to prevent side movement of friction member  32 . Thus, in order to close top cover  11  and/or upper chassis  39 , a user must first disengage male protrusion  77  from female pocket  78 . Upon disengaging male protrusion  77  from female pocket  78 , friction member  32  is free to be moved to the side for passage through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 . 
         [0044]    As best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , lockout link  30  is configured to prevent closure of the top cover  11  when print frame assembly  20  is in an open position ( FIG. 6 ). Print frame assembly  20  includes a pin  69  operably coupled print frame assembly  20  to an upper portion of lockout link  30 . Lockout link  30  includes slot  31  that slidably engages pin  41  of upper chassis  39  to facilitate the articulation of lockout link  30  when print frame  20  is moved between the open position ( FIG. 6 ) and the closed position ( FIG. 7 ). In the open position, print frame assembly  20  is pivoted forward on pivot  72 , causing the lockout link  30  to ride upward and to rotate slightly clockwise on pin  41 , which, in turn, causes pawl  38  of lockout link  30  to extend through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 . In this position, i.e., when pawl  38  of lockout link  30  is disposed through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 , top cover  11  and/or upper chassis  39  is prevented from moving to a closed position, e.g., top cover  11  and/or upper chassis  39  cannot be pivoted counterclockwise. Specifically, when pawl  38  is disposed through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 , friction member  32  is restricted from passing through slot  74  of upper chassis  39 . 
         [0045]    As print frame  20  moves clockwise from an open position to a closed position, pin  69  moves upward and leftward about pivot  72 , which, in turn, rotates lockout link  30  counterclockwise and draws lockout link  30  upward, thereby disengaging pawl  38  from slot  74  of upper chassis  39  and establishing sufficient clearance between the lower portion of lockout link  30  and friction member  32  to enable top cover  11  to be moved into a closed position. 
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , media support members  24  and  25  are moveable along a transverse axis and are operatively associated with a reciprocal movement mechanism (not explicitly shown) that is configured to translate a transverse movement of first media support member  24  into a corresponding opposite transverse movement of second media support member  25 , and vice versa, between a first position in which first media support member  24  and second media support member  25  are placed in a spaced relation that is further apart, and a second position in which first media support member  24  and second media support member  25  are in a spaced relation that is closer together. By this arrangement, roll media  23  (not shown) of arbitrary width may be accommodated while concurrently centering roll media  23  (not shown) with respect to the longitudinal axis “A-A” of the print head  68  and thus to the centerline of a feed path  76  corresponding thereto. First and a second media support members  24 ,  25  may be biased inwardly, e.g., toward the centerline, by a biasing member, e.g., a spring (not explicitly shown), to aid in gripping media roll  23  (not shown) between the support members  24 ,  25 . A selectively adjustable stop  26  enables the position of media support members  24 ,  25  to be preset. Stop  26  is slidably disposed within an elongated slot  83  transversely defined in feed path  76  of lower chassis  34 . Stop  26  and elongated slot  83  are configured to provide sufficient friction through mechanical detents and discrete positions therebetween to enable stop  26 , when positioned, to overcome the inward biasing force of media support members  24 ,  25  and maintain media support members  24 ,  25  in the desired position. 
         [0047]    Turning now to  FIG. 10 , both media support members  24  and  25  include media adjustment channel  140 , tab receiving members  150 , detent  160 , and media adjustment assembly  100  which enables the compatibility of multiple forms of media, i.e., roll media and fanfold media, with printer  10 . Media adjustment assembly  100  also enables compatibility of media of ranging diameters to be used with printer  10 . Media adjustment assembly  100  includes media adjustment member  110  which is operatively engaged with retaining member  120 . Resilient member  130  is disposed between media adjustment member  110  and retaining member  120 . 
         [0048]    Media adjustment member  110  may include a shaft  112 , tabs  114 , and a handle  116 . Shaft  112  is slidably disposed within media adjustment channel  140 . Tabs  114  are configured to match and fit into tab receiving members  150  to selectively position media adjustment member  110  in different positions ( FIGS. 11A-11C ) to enable use of different media types in printer which have different sizes in diameter. Additionally, media adjustment member  110  may be placed in detent  160  where tabs  114  would engaged with the bottom-most tab receiving members  152 . When media adjustment member  100  is placed in the bottom-most position, i.e., tabs  114  are disposed in the bottom-most tab receiving members  152 , media adjustment member  110  is disposed in detent  160  thus causing media adjustment member  110  to lay flush with the inner surface  24   a  of media support member  24  (or similarly to inner surface of media support member  25  which is not shown). 
         [0049]    Turning now to  FIG. 11A , printer  10  is shown with media adjustment assembly  100  in the top-most position. In this position, printer  10  is capable of supporting a media roll with a large diameter. With media adjustment assembly  100  in the top-most position, tabs  114  of media adjustment members  110  are disposed in the top-most tab receiving members  150 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 11B , printer  10  is shown with media adjustment assembly  100  in a position for housing a roll media with a smaller diameter than that which would be used in  FIG. 11A . In order to place media adjustment assembly  100  in this position, a user may grip handle  116  ( FIG. 10 ) and pull media adjustment member  110  distally away from retaining member  120  causing a tension in resilient member  130  in order to disengage tabs  114  from tab receiving members  150 . Upon removal of tabs  114  from tab receiving members  150 , the user may slide media adjustment member  110  within media adjustment channel  140  to a desired pair of tab receiving members  150 . Upon reaching the desired pair of tab receiving members  150 , the user may release handle  116  which places tabs  114  into the corresponding tab receiving member  150  by the force of the resilient member  130 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 11C , printer  10  is shown with media adjustment assembly  100  in a position for housing a media cartridge  400  ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ), such as without limitation, a fan fold media. In order to place media adjustment assembly  100  in this position, a user may grip handle  116  ( FIG. 10 ) and pull media adjustment member (not shown) distally away from retaining member  120  causing tension in resilient member  130  in order to disengage tabs  114  from tab receiving members  150 . Upon removal of tabs  114  from tab receiving members  150 , the user may then slide media adjustment member  110  downward within media adjustment channel  140  to the bottom-most position, such that tabs  114  engage the bottom-most tab receiving members  150 . Upon positioning media adjustment member  110  to the bottom-most position, media adjustment members  110  are flush with inner surfaces  24   a  and  25   a  of media support members  24  and  25 , respectively. 
         [0052]    Handle  116  may serve the dual purpose of both enabling a user to adjust the media adjustment assembly  100  within the media adjustment channel  140  and retaining a roll media supply between first media support member  24  and second media support member  25 . 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , printer  10  includes an adjustable media sensor assembly  53  transversely disposed in lower chassis  34  across a feed path  76 . Adjustable media sensor assembly  53  includes an elongated cavity  57  having a media sensor  54  slidably disposed therein. Media sensor  54  is selectively positionable along cavity  57 , which enables media sensor  54  to be aligned with index marks, media gaps, or other positional indicia characteristic of the print media, which, in turn, enables printer  10  to accurately feed and position media during use. Media sensor  54  includes an aperture  55  defined therein to enable a sensing element (not explicitly shown), such as without limitation a photodiode, to sense media indicia. In an alternative embodiment, printer  10  includes a fixed media sensor having an aperture defined therein to enable a sensing element (not explicitly shown), such as without limitation a photodiode, to sense media indicia therethrough. Media sensor  54  and/or fixed media sensor are aligned with and cooperate with an excitation element (not explicitly shown), e.g., a light emitting diode, disposed on print head  68  such that a light beam emitted from excitation element is detectable by media sensor  54  and/or fixed media sensor. Media sensor  54  and/or fixed media sensor may thus sense when the light beam is interrupted or reduced in intensity by a portion of media passing between media sensor  54  and/or fixed media sensor, and excitation element. 
         [0054]    In a non-limiting example, a roll of self-adhesive label media includes a series of discrete labels disposed on a continuous length of backing material. A gap exists between successive labels where only the backing material is exposed. As the gap passes between the sensing element and the excitation element, the level of light transmitted from the excitation element to the sensing element varies, enabling the detection of the edges of individual media labels. 
         [0055]    In embodiments, the position of the sensing element (not explicitly shown) and excitation element (not explicitly shown) may be swapped while keeping within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the position of excitation element (not explicitly shown) is adjustable along a transverse axis of motion (e.g., across the width of print head  68 ) to coordinate the alignment of excitation element (not explicitly shown) with the position of media sensor  54 . Graduations may be provided adjacent to excitation element (not explicitly shown) to facilitate the alignment of excitation element (not explicitly shown) via corresponding graduations  88  provided adjacent to media sensor  54 . 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , printer  10  is shown with media adjustment assembly  100  in a third position ( FIG. 11C ) with a fanfold media cartridge  400  installed. With media adjustment assemblies  100  in the third position, media adjustment members  110  are disposed within detent  160  such that media adjustment members  110  lay flush with inner surfaces  24   a  and  25   a  of media support members  24  and  25 , respectively. In this arrangement, fanfold media cartridge  400  may be placed in between media support members  24  and  25  without any obstruction by media adjustment members  110 . 
         [0057]    Turning now to  FIG. 14 , a media cartridge  400  is shown prior to being positioned in the printer  10  ( FIG. 13 ). Media cartridge may include fold down ledge  410  and media relief top rear panel  420 . Additionally, media cartridge may include label  430  which may include information pertaining to the particular media contained within cartridge, such as without limitation, the color, width, or length of the media. Top portion  401  of media cartridge  400  includes a perforated portion  410   p  which extends to side portions  402  of media cartridge  400 . Similarly, rear portion (not shown) may include a perforated portion  420   p  which extends to side portions  402  of media cartridge  400 . In use, perforated portion  410   p  may be released to pivot the fold down ledge  410  about a pivot user fold line  412  in the direction of arrow “Z” to form an opening. Media relief top rear panel  420  may be released along perforation portion  420   p  to pivot media relief top rear panel  420  in the direction of arrow “J” to form an opening. An internal supply of media may exit through the opening formed by either fold down ledge  410  or top rear panel  420 . 
         [0058]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 14 , media cartridge  400  may also include media sensor channel  450  on either or both sides of media cartridge  400  for determining the level of media remaining in the media cartridge  400 . Media sensor channel  450  includes an aperture defined therein to enable a sensing element (not explicitly shown), such as without limitation a photodiode, to sense the level of media remaining. Media sensor channel  450  is aligned with and cooperates with an excitation element (not explicitly shown), e.g., a light emitting diode, disposed internal to printer  10 , and directly adjacent to media sensor channel  450 , such that a light beam emitted from excitation element is detectable to determine the level of media remaining. 
         [0059]    The described embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment of the present disclosure. Further variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be made or desirably combined into many other different systems or applications without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law.