Patent Description:
Generally speaking mobile printers are designed for a specific media core size. This specific design restriction limits users' choices in exploring other media types.

Some mobile printers have designs to accommodate more than one media core size. Generally these designs require some disassembly or part replacement to adapt to each new core size. This exchange takes time and can delay printing.

In other instances, printers have switching mechanisms which alternate media core hubs to accommodate more than one media core size. However, these mechanisms may take up additional and valuable real estate in the printer. Additionally, the mechanisms do require operator to actively select the correct media hub as opposed to simply using another media core size without changes the printer.

Therefore, a need exists for a printer and media ring assembly which can accommodate a variety of media core sizes without part changes and without active switching of hubs by the printer operator. The design should be simple and be adaptable for different printers and different media core sizes. <CIT> discloses a roll body holding device and recording device in which, to hold a roll body having a small inner diameter paper tube by a roll body holding device, a projection of a holding device body is inserted into the paper tube without installing an adapter and a first elastic section is made to be in pressure contact with the inner surface of the paper tube. To hold a roll body having a large diameter paper tube by the roll body holding device, after a sheath is put over the projection and a claw is inserted into a long groove, the adapter is rotated to engage the claw with the long groove, the first elastic section is engaged with an engagement recess, and then the adapter is non-removably and non-rotatably attached to the holding device body. After that, the sheath is inserted into the paper tube, and a second elastic member is made to be in pressure contact with the inner surface of the paper tube. To remove the adapter, a release member is first inserted into a gap between the projection and the sheath to release the engagement between the first elastic section and the engagement recess, and then the adapter is rotated to release the engagement between the claw and the long groove.

The present invention will be further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

The present invention embraces a multiple size media holder assembly for a printer and a printer employing such a media holder assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, as seen in <FIG>, the present invention includes a printer (<NUM>), a media holder assembly (<NUM>), comprised of a pair of opposedly mounted media holder subassemblies (12a & 12b). The distance (<NUM>) between the media holder subassemblies (12a & 12b) is sized to accommodate a media roll (not shown).

<FIG> shows a magnified view of media sub-assembly (12a). Basic components of the media sub-assembly (12a) include a base (<NUM>), a platform (<NUM>) secured to the base, and <NUM> hubs: first hub (<NUM>), second hub (<NUM>) and third hub (<NUM>), each sized to accommodate the inner diameters of three varying sized media rolls (not shown) and each having an exterior surface (not visible in this view) to support three media rolls of varying inner diameters. The base (<NUM>) and the platform (<NUM>) can be combined in a single part (not shown) or in the alternative, the base and the platform may be composed of multiple parts.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the media sub-assembly (12a) of <FIG>. The media sub-assembly (12a) includes a base (<NUM>) and platform (<NUM>). The platform (<NUM>) is secured to the (base). In the Figure the platform (<NUM>) and base (<NUM>) are shown secured with a fastener (<NUM>) which can be a screw and washer as shown, or other fasteners known in the art. In the alternative, the platform (<NUM>) and the base (<NUM>) can be molded to form a single part. The platform (<NUM>) has a flange (<NUM>) and has a central cylindrical depression (<NUM>). The cylindrical depression (<NUM>) has an inner wall (<NUM>), a bottom (<NUM>), and at least one stop on the inner wall of the cylindrical depression (not visible in this view). The stop, which will be discussed in more detail in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> could be an annular groove, one or more protruding flanges, one or more of recesses, cutouts, or notches on or in the inner wall (<NUM>), or the like. Protruding from the center of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) is the first hub (<NUM>). The first hub (<NUM>) is sized for a first media roll (not shown). The first hub has an exterior surface (<NUM>) to support the first media roll. In the Figure, the first hub is depicted as having a circular cross-section, but other cross-sectional shape are contemplated based upon the first hub's (<NUM>) exterior surface (<NUM>) supporting the first media roll. In the present invention the cross-sectional shapes of the first hub is triangular. The first hub (<NUM>) may have any cross-sectional shape which can be encompassed by the inner diameter, usually circular, of the media roll and adequately supports it. It can be seen from the Figure that the height of the first hub (<NUM>) extends higher than the flange (<NUM>). Other features of the first hub (<NUM>) will be described in conjunction with subsequent Figures which show those features. A first spring (<NUM>) concentric to the first hub (<NUM>) is disposed in the cylindrical depression (<NUM>). The second hub (<NUM>) is sized for a second media roll (not shown) and has an exterior surface (<NUM>) for supporting the second media roll. The second hub (<NUM>) may be ring-shaped as shown in <FIG>, or any shape which will support the second media roll. For example, the second hub (<NUM>) may have any cross-sectional geometric shape which fits within the inner diameter, usually circular, of the media roll and around the first hub (<NUM>). In the present invention the cross-sectional shapes of the second hub is triangular and has an exterior surface (<NUM>) which will support the second media roll. The second hub (<NUM>) is concentric to the first hub (<NUM>) and has a height less than the height of the first hub (<NUM>). The second hub (<NUM>) is supported by the first spring (<NUM>). For example, the second hub (<NUM>) may be profiled to fit over the first spring (<NUM>) in the cylindrical depression (<NUM>). However, the second hub (<NUM>) may be supported by the first spring (<NUM>) by a number of other mechanisms or constructions. For example, the second hub (<NUM>) may be notched to be supported by the first spring (<NUM>). As will be seen in Figures presented hereinafter, the first spring (<NUM>) biases the second hub (<NUM>) to a height substantially level with that of the first hub (<NUM>). A second spring (<NUM>) concentric to the first hub (<NUM>) and sized to fit around the second hub (<NUM>) is also provided. A third hub (<NUM>) is provided which is sized for a third media roll (not shown). The third hub (<NUM>) is sized to fit around the second hub (<NUM>). The third hub (<NUM>) has an exterior surface (<NUM>) for supporting the third media roll. The third hub (<NUM>) may be ring-shaped as shown in the Figure, or any shape which will support the third media roll. For example, the third hub (<NUM>) may have any cross-sectional geometric shape which fits within the inner diameter, usually circular, of the third media roll and around the second hub (<NUM>). For example the third hub may be triangular in cross-section, having an exterior surface (<NUM>) will support the third media roll. Further, the third hub (<NUM>) is supported by the second spring (<NUM>). For example, and as shown in <FIG>, the third hub (<NUM>) is profiled to fit over the second spring (<NUM>). However, other constructions and mechanisms are possible for the third hub (<NUM>) to be supported by the second spring as discussed hereinbefore with respect to the second hub (<NUM>) and the first spring (<NUM>). The second spring (<NUM>) biases the third hub to a level substantially equal to that of the first hub (<NUM>). It can be seen from the present <FIG> that if a media assembly was desired to accommodate only two media rolls, then the third hub and second spring would be unnecessary. However, the present invention also contemplates that more than three media roll sizes could be accommodated by adjusting the sizes of components, including the platform (<NUM>), and adding springs and hubs.

When the media sub-assembly (12a) is assembled, the second hub (<NUM>) is slidably engaged to the first hub (<NUM>). To that purpose, one way to accomplish the slidable engagement, without wishing to be limited, is to provide the second hub (<NUM>) with at least one retainer (<NUM>) which is pictured as a flange, tab, or protrusion on the inner diameter (<NUM>) of the second hub (<NUM>). The first hub (<NUM>) is correspondingly provided with a stop (not visible in this <FIG>) on the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>) under or in which the retainer (<NUM>) on the second hub (<NUM>) is disposed. The stop on the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>) may be a continuous annular groove for receiving the at least one retainer (<NUM>) of the second hub (<NUM>). In an alternate embodiment, the stop could be one or more flanges protruding from the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>). In another embodiment, the at least one stop on the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub could be one or more recesses, cutouts, or notches in the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub designed to receive the at least one retainer (<NUM>) of the second hub (<NUM>). The slidable engagement will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.

The third hub (<NUM>) and the second hub (<NUM>) are in slidable engagement when the media sub-assembly (12a) is fully assembled. The slidable engagement will be discussed in more detail hereinafter in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>).

The outermost hub, in <FIG> this being the third hub (<NUM>), is slidably engaged to the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>). One way to accomplish the slidable engagement is shown in the Figure. Without wishing to be limited, the third hub (<NUM>) may be provided with at least one retainer (<NUM>) which is pictured as a flange, tab, or protrusion on the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>). The inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) is correspondingly provided with a stop (not visible in this Figure) under or in which the retainer (<NUM>) on the third hub (<NUM>) is disposed. The stop on the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) may be a continuous annular groove for receiving the at least one retainer (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>). In another embodiment, the stop could be one or more flanges protruding from the inner wall (<NUM>). In another embodiment, the at least one stop on the inner wall (<NUM>) could be one or more recesses, cutouts, or notches in the inner wall (<NUM>) designed to receive the at least one retainer (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>). The slidable engagement will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view of the media holder sub-assembly (12a) of <FIG>, now fully assembled without a media roll in place.

From the present <FIG>, it can be seen as described hereinbefore, that the first spring (<NUM>) and the second spring (<NUM>) bias the second hub (<NUM>) and the third hub (<NUM>) respectively to a height level with the height of the first hub (<NUM>) and above that of the flange (<NUM>).

Exemplary embodiments of mechanisms to accomplish the slidable engagements between components are visible in the current view. In the <FIG>, the first hub (<NUM>) has a stop (<NUM>) on the exterior surface (<NUM>). In <FIG>, the stop (<NUM>) is a recess or cutout disposed near the bottom (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>). However, as discussed hereinbefore, the stop (<NUM>) could be one or more tabs or flanges protruding from the exterior surface (<NUM>) or notches in the exterior surface (<NUM>). The stop (<NUM>) may be a continuous annular groove or a series of recesses, cutouts, or notches. The second hub (<NUM>) may be provided with at least on retainer (<NUM>) on the inner diameter (<NUM>). In the present <FIG>, the at least one retainer (<NUM>) is illustrated as a tab or flange on the inner diameter (<NUM>) as discussed hereinbefore. The at least one retainer (<NUM>) is disposed in the stop (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>). As can be seen, the stop (<NUM>) limits the biasing of the second hub (<NUM>) by the first spring (<NUM>). As discussed hereinbefore, but not visible in the previous Figures, the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) is provided with at least one stop (<NUM>). In the present <FIG>, the at least one stop (<NUM>) is a recess or cutout in the inner wall (<NUM>). The recess may be a continuous annular groove or may be a series of recesses, cutouts, or notches. In another embodiment, the at least one stop may be one or more tabs protruding from the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>). The third hub (<NUM>) is provided with at least one retainer (<NUM>), depicted as a tab positioned at the bottom of the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>) in the present <FIG>. The at least one retainer (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>) engages the stop (<NUM>), in this case a recess, on the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>). The stop (<NUM>) limits the biasing of the third hub (<NUM>) by the second spring (<NUM>).

The second hub (<NUM>) and the third hub (<NUM>) are slidably engaged to each other. Without wishing to be limited, one way to accomplish this slidable engagement is to provide the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the second hub (<NUM>) with a stop (<NUM>) shown in the present <FIG> as a step profile. The third hub (<NUM>) may be provided with a retainer (<NUM>) on the inner diameter, shown in the present Figure as a step profile. The step profiles, stop (<NUM>), and retainer (<NUM>), may be continuous or be one or more discrete tabs. When the media sub-assembly (12a) is assembled, the retainer (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>) is aligned under the stop (<NUM>) of the second hub (<NUM>). Thus the step (<NUM>) on the second hub (<NUM>) limits, along with the slidable engagement of the third hub (<NUM>) with the stop (<NUM>) on the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>), the movement of the third hub (<NUM>) and the biasing of the third hub (<NUM>) by the second spring (<NUM>).

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show cross-sectional views of the media sub-assembly (12a) when media rolls of various diameters are loaded onto the media assembly (<NUM>). For example, the media assembly may be designed for media rolls of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter, <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter, and <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter, which are standard industry sizes for mobile barcode printers. However, it is to be understood that other media roll sizes can be accommodated. In fact, the media sub-assembly (12a) is not limited to accommodating only <NUM> media rolls. It is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that by adjusting dimensions and adding hubs, more than <NUM> sizes of media rolls could be accommodated by the same mechanisms of the present invention.

Referring now to <FIG>, a large diameter media roll (29a), for example a <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter media roll, sits on the flange (<NUM>) and around the third hub (<NUM>). The exterior surface (<NUM>) of the third hub (<NUM>) supports the media roll (29a).

In <FIG>, a medium diameter media roll (29b), for example a <NUM> (<NUM>) inch inner diameter media roll, is shown loaded on the media sub-assembly (12a). As described hereinbefore, the media roll (29b) length is equal to the distance (<NUM>) between the two platforms on the media assembly (<NUM>). The media roll (29b) is loaded on top of the third hub (<NUM>) and is supported around the second hub (<NUM>) by the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the second hub (<NUM>), compressing the second spring (<NUM>) such that the third hub (<NUM>) descends to substantially the same level as the flange (<NUM>). Note also, that third hub (<NUM>) retainer (<NUM>) is now disengaged from second hub (<NUM>) stop (<NUM>).

In <FIG>, a small diameter media roll (29c), for example a <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter media roll, is shown loaded on the media sub-assembly (12a). As described hereinbefore, the media roll (29c) length is equal to the distance (<NUM>) between the two platforms on the media assembly (<NUM>). The media roll (29c) is mounted on top of the second hub (<NUM>) and is supported by the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>), compressing the first spring (<NUM>) such that the second hub (<NUM>) descends to substantially the same level as the flange (<NUM>). Note here that second hub (<NUM>) stop (<NUM>) remains in engaged with third hub (<NUM>) retainer (<NUM>) so that both the second hub (<NUM>) and the third hub (<NUM>) descend together. Additionally, second hub retainer (<NUM>) is disengaged from first hub (<NUM>) stop (<NUM>) as the media roll is inserted on top of the second hub (<NUM>).

As can be seen from <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in the present embodiment shown, the stop (<NUM>) on the first hub (<NUM>) is not continuous around the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>) as the stop (<NUM>) is only visible on one side of the cross-sectional view. In <FIG>, the stop (<NUM>) was visible on both sides of the cutaway. In a like manner, the at least one stop (<NUM>) on the inner wall of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) is discontinuous in the present <FIG> and not visible on either side of the cutaway. As discussed hereinbefore, the at least one stop (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>) and the at least one stop (<NUM>) on the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) may take one of several forms such as an annular groove, a series of recesses, protrusions, cutouts, or notches and the like.

As can be seen from <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the slidable engagement between second hub (<NUM>) and the third hub (<NUM>) allows the third hub (<NUM>) enough movement for the second hub's (<NUM>) exterior surface (<NUM>) to support a media roll sized for the second hub (<NUM>) when such a media roll is loaded on the media sub-assemblies. In a like manner, the slidable engagement of the second hub (<NUM>) with the first hub (<NUM>) provides enough movement of the second hub (<NUM>) for the first hub's (<NUM>) exterior surface (<NUM>) to support a media roll sized for the first hub (<NUM>) when such a media roll is loaded on the media sub-assemblies.

The first spring (<NUM>) and the second spring (<NUM>) in any of the foregoing figures have spring constants. Preferably the spring constants are different, and more preferably, the first spring constant is less than or equal to the second spring constant. As can be seen in <FIG>, loading a media roll (29c) to be supported by the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>), works against the biasing spring force of both the first spring (<NUM>) and second spring (<NUM>). Advantageously, the first spring (<NUM>) constant will be less than the second spring (<NUM>) constant so that it is not too difficult to load the media roll (29c) as spring constants are additive in this configuration. In <FIG>, loading the media roll (29b) only requires pressure against the third hub (<NUM>), that is, working against the biasing spring force of the second spring (<NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, depicted is the platform (<NUM>) and first hub without the other hubs or springs assembled in order to see certain features. The platform (<NUM>) has a cylindrical depression (<NUM>) and a flange (<NUM>). The first hub (<NUM>) protrudes from the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) above the flange (<NUM>). In the present <FIG>, the at least one stop (19a) discussed hereinbefore is shown as one or more recesses on the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>). The recess could be continuous as in an annular groove, or a series of recesses, cutouts, or notches. Similarly, the at least one stop (22a) on the exterior surface (<NUM>) of the first hub (<NUM>) is shown as a cutout near the bottom of the first hub (<NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, an alternate stop (22b) pattern for the first hub (<NUM>) and the stop (19b) on the inner wall (<NUM>) is depicted. The at least one stop (19b) on the inner wall (<NUM>) of the cylindrical depression (<NUM>) is a protruding tab. The protruding tab stop (19b) could be a continuous step, or a series of tabs on the inner wall (<NUM>). The first hub (<NUM>) has at least one stop (22b) on the exterior surface (<NUM>). In one embodiment, the at least one stop is a continuous tab or series of protruding tabs.

Referring now to <FIG>, as discussed herein before, the hubs may be noncircular in cross-section. <FIG> shows one example. A media holder (<NUM>) is comprised of a base (<NUM>) and a platform (<NUM>) secured to the base. The base and the platform may be a single component or separate components as shown. The platform (<NUM>) has a centrally located triangularly-shaped depression (<NUM>). The first hub (<NUM>), the second hub (<NUM>), and the third hub (<NUM>) have triangular cross-sectional shapes to fit in the shaped depression (<NUM>). The hubs (<NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may have sides which are perpendicular to the platform (<NUM>) or, in an alternative embodiment, have sides which taper. Hubs with tapered sides may accommodate media rolls with poor tolerances from the factory. Hubs with tapered sides also provide a convenience when mounting the media rolls on the hubs. As in the exemplary embodiments described hereinbefore, in all other aspects, the media holder (<NUM>) has components and functions as described in conjunction with the circular hubs.

Claim 1:
A media holder (<NUM>) comprised of:
a platform (<NUM>) having a flange;
a first hub (<NUM>) having an exterior surface to support a first media roll; and
a second hub (<NUM>) having an exterior surface to support a second media roll, the second hub (<NUM>) concentric to the first hub (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the platform (<NUM>) has a triangular shaped depression (<NUM>) central to the platform, the triangular shaped depression (<NUM>) having an inner wall;
the first hub (<NUM>) protrudes from the center of the triangular shaped depression (<NUM>) and has a height greater than the depth of the triangular shaped depression (<NUM>), wherein the first hub (<NUM>) has triangular cross section;
the media holder (<NUM>) further comprises a first spring concentric to the first hub (<NUM>) and disposed in the triangular shaped depression (<NUM>); and
the second hub (<NUM>) is supported by the first spring in the triangular shaped depression (<NUM>), the first spring biasing the second hub (<NUM>) to a height equal to the height of the first hub (<NUM>), the second hub (<NUM>) being slidably engaged to the first hub (<NUM>), wherein the second hub (<NUM>) has triangular cross section.