Patent ID: 7322669

Claim:
An inkjet printer comprising a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of nozzles, at least one print controller for controlling printing performed by at least some of the nozzles, a capping mechanism for the printhead, and a protector for the capping mechanism, wherein: a) the capping mechanism comprises: i) a capping member which has a length corresponding substantially to that of the printhead and which is configured to contact the printhead in nozzle capping engagement, ii) a carrier supporting the capping member, and iii) an actuating mechanism arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the printhead, thereby enabling printing by the printhead nozzles under control of the at least one print controller and a second position at which the capping member is located in contact with the printhead; b) the capping member is pivotally mounted to the carrier and is arranged to pivot relative to the carrier during back and forth transitional movement of the carrier between a transition position and the second position, where the transition position is located intermediate the first and second positions; and c) the protector comprises a covering member which is arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is located in the first position.