Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MODULAR PRINTER SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION 13 3 8 0 ~ 9
This invention is particularly concerned with
printer devices such as are utilized in connection with
product delivery e.g. to retail stores. In a field known
as route accounting, a computerized terminal maintains
price and quantity information concerning various items
to be delivered at a series of stores, and a printer unit
is utilized to produce a printed record for each
customer. The printer may be carried into each store
with the terminal, or the printer may be part of the
fixed equipment within a delivery vehicle.
In a typical route accounting system, a portable
modular printer device may comprise a briefcase
containing the printer unit. Preferably such portable
systems have a receptacle for plug-in coupling of a
computerized terminal.
In the past, systems providing an eighty column
printing capacity have utilized portable configurations
representing relatively high cost beyond the cost of the
basic printer unit, and adding very substantially to the
basic weight of the printer.
It is conceived that it would be highly beneficial
to create a portable printer system requiring only
minimal additions in terms of cost and weight over that
of the basic printer. It would be ideal if a modular
standardized construction could be applicable also to
non-portable printer systems and capable of readily
receiving computerized terminals of different
configuration.
Accordingly, it is a basic objective of the
invention to provide a portable printer device which adds
only minimal cost and weight to a basic printer unit.
A further object is to provide a modular printer
device which is of particularly compact and convenient
dimensions for portable use and yet which is readily
1~ ~ 8 ~ 49 73164-25
converted to use in non-portable applications such as are common
in the route accounting field.
Another related object is to provide a basic
standardized frame construction which is readily adapted to the
reception of improved printer units and more compact computerized
terminal configurations as such become economically feasible.
A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention
utilizes a standardized open frame construction for receiving a
modular printer assembly and a modular terminal assembly. The
frame may have an external configuration so as to snugly receive a
carrying handle and/or other attachment suitable for a portable
device, or to receive an auxiliary terminal mounting bracket
facilitating use as a non-portable installation. A paper tray
module for the printer unit may itself provide the bottom closure
for the standard open frame, and serve with the frame as part of a
water repellant encasement for the modular printer assembly. The
printer housing module may accommodate one hundred and eighty
degree reversal of the printer unit to adapt to portable or
vehicle mounting. A low cost printer adapter means may adapt a
printer housing module to different printer units, and a light
weight economical terminal module may serve to adapt the standard
frame to different size terminal configurations of a terminal
family.
According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided in a modular printer system, a modular printer device for
containing a computerized terminal for supplying data to be
printed and a printer means for printing data supplied by a
,~
~ .
1338049 73164-25
computerized terminal, said modular printer device comprising an
open frame having first terminal module receptacle means and
having second printer module receptacle means, a terminal module
for releasably receiving a computerized terminal, said terminal
module with a received computerized terminal being supported in
said first terminal module receptacle means such that data may be
supplied from a received computerized terminal to a printer means
contained by said modular printer device, and being supported in
said second printer module receptacle means, a printer module for
receiving a printer means such that data may be supplied to a
received printer means from a computerized terminal in said
terminal module, and a printer unit in said printer module having
a paper feed direction, and the printer unit being reversible with
the printer module so as to provide a first paper feed direction
in the first orientation of the printer module and so as to
provide an opposite paper feed direction opposite to said first
paper feed direction in the reverse orientation of the printer
module.
According to another broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided a modular printer device comprising: an open
frame having rectilinear frame elements forming vertically
disposed side walls and at least one crosspiece for defining
within said frame at least a terminal receptacle and a printer
receptacle; a paper tray module disposed across and assembled to
said frame and defining a bottom closure, said paper tray module
having means for holding a supply of paper; a printer module
mounted within said printer receptacle, said printer module
2a
.~
.~ .
- 13380~9
73164-25
comprising a printer unit disposed above said paper tray module
for receiving power therefrom; a terminal module mounted within
said terminal receptacle, said terminal module including means for
removably receiving a computerized terminal and for
communicatively coupling a received terminal to said terminal
module; and means for communicatively coupling said terminal
module to said printer module, whereby a computerized terminal
upon being inserted into said terminal module becomes enabled to
communicate data to said printer unit.
According to yet another broad aspect, there is provided
a modular printer device comprising: an open frame having
rectilinear frame elements forming vertically disposed side walls
and at least one cross piece for defining within said frame at
least a terminal receptacle and a printer receptacle, said open
frame being an integral unitary structure, at least one of said
rectilinear frame elements of said integral unitary structure
including an externally disposed means for receiving a selected
one of a plurality of attachments; a paper tray module disposed
across and assembled to said frame and defining a bottom closure,
said paper tray module having means for holding a supply of paper;
a printer module mounted within said printer receptacle, said
printer module comprising a printer unit disposed above said paper
tray module for receiving power therefrom; a terminal module
mounted to said open frame, said terminal module including means
for removably receiving a computerized terminal and for
communicatively coupling a received terminal to said terminal
module; and means for communicatively coupling said terminal
2b
,~;
;
13380 49 7~164-25
module to sald printer module, whereby a computerlzed termlnal
upon belng lnserted lnto and received by sald termlnal module
becomes enabled to communlcate data to sald prlnter unlt.
Other ob~ects, features and advantages wlll be
apparent from the followlng detalled descrlptlon taken ln
con~unctlon wlth the accompanylng sheets of drawlngs, and from
the respectlve lndlvldual features of the appended clalms.
FIG. 1 ls a somewhat dlagrammatlc perspectlve vlew
showlng a modular prlnter system conflgured as a unltary
portable devlce and embodylng teachlngs and concepts of the
present lnventlon.
.~
. 1338~49 -3-
FIG. 2 is in the nature of an exploded view wherein
a terminal and its receiving terminal module, and a
printer module containing a printer unit, are shown
offset from their respective receptacles in a
standardized open frame which has a paper tray module
assembled as a bottom closure therewith;
FIG. 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic exploded-type
perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating the
case where the standardized open frame with associated
paper tray as bottom closure, is further provided with a
cradle serving as an auxiliary receptacle for receiving
the modular terminal assembly, and showing the modular
printer assembly in a reversed orientation in comparison
to FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a somewhat diagrammatic exploded-type
perspective view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the
terminal cradle at an opposite side of the open frame;
FIG. S is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view
of the carrying handle showing the handle as it appears
when removed from the remaining parts of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view
of a portable version of the invention as actually
constructed;
FIG. 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic transverse
sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 and showing
internal construction at the terminal module of the
portable device;
FIG. 8 is a somewhat diagrammatic transverse .
sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 and showing
the printer case and other internal parts at a rear
printer module receiving portion of the portable version
of FIGS. 6 and 7, the printer cover, and printer modûle
having been removed from the printer case to reveal the
rear wall of the printer case;
FIG. 9 is a somewhat diagrammatic top plan view of
the portable version of the invention, with the printer
~ 38049 -4-
module, printer cover and instrument panel finish strip
removed to show interior construction of the printer case
and paper tray module;
FIG. 10 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal
sectional view of the portable embodiment of FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged somewhat diagrammatic
partial longitudinal sectional view showing the printer
module within the printer case, and indicating a pivoted
position of the printer module in dot dash outline
wherein access is provided to the paper tray bin of the
paper tray module;
FIG. 12 is a somewhat diagrammatic side elevational
view of an AC adapter module which may replace the foot
at the left side of the portable version of FIG. 6 so as
to provide for operation of the printer system of FIGS.
6-11 from commercial alternating current power;
FIG. 13 is a somewhat diagrammatic partial
transverse sectional view showing the AC adapter module
of FIG. 12 operatively secured with the portable
embodiment of FIGS. 6-11 in place of the foot member;
FIG. 14 is a somewhat diagrammatic partial
elevational view showing the frontal end of the AC
adapter module of FIGS. 12 and 13;
FIG. 15 is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view
of a non-portable version of the printer system which
utilizes the frame module, and other components of FIGS.
6-11, rearranged so as to be particularly suited to
mounting in a delivery vehicle or the like; and
FIG. 16 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal
sectional view of the device of FIG. 15, and showing use
of a paper tray module of greater capacity than that of
FIGS. 6-11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
In FIG. 1, a unitary modular portable printer
device 10 is shown as comprising a standardized open
l33sa43
frame module 11 having a paper tray module 12 assembled
therewith as bottom closure.
Eitting within the open frame 11 are a terminal
module 14 with a hinged cover 15, and a printer module 16
having a paper outlet slot 16A which may be selectively
covered by means of a laterally shiftable cover strip 17.
A carrying handle 18 is slidably engaged with an
external side of the open frame 11.
As seen in FIG. 2, the open frame 11 is composed of
four rectilinearly arranged frame elements 21-24 and a
single additional frame element or crosspiece 25
subdividing the open frame to provide a terminal
receptacle 26 and a printer receptacle 27.
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal module 14 has
downward directed horizontal surfaces such as 14A and 14B
at the four side thereof which are upwardly offset
relative to a bottom 14C of the terminal module.
Vertically disposed side walls such as 14D and 14E extend
from the outer perimeter of the bottom 14C to inner
margins of the surfaces such as 14A and 14B. The
terminal module 14 fits into receptacle 26 with surfaces
such as 14A and 14B resting on four rectilinearly
arranged ledge portions such as 23A and 24A which are
provided by the frame elements 21, 23, 24 and 25. These
ledge portions at their inner edges confront the terminal
module side walls such as 14D and 14E when the terminal
module is assembled therewith.
Thus the ledge portions such as 23A, 24A of the
frame elements 21, 23, 24 and 25 may be taken as
principally defining terminal module receptacle 26.
Similarly ledges such as 23A and 25A of frame
elements 21, 22, 23 and 25 support upwardly offset
surfaces such as 16A and 16B of printer module 16, and
confront side walls such as 16C and 16D, and may be taken
as essentially defining printer module receptacle 27.
_ 1338043 -6-
The terminal module 14 releasably receives the
computerized terminal 30 upon opening of cover 15. sy
way of example the terminal module 14 may have an
interior space of size to receive terminals known as the
model 121XL and model 141XL of the Norand Corporation,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Such terminals 30 have a display region 31, a
keyboard region 32 and a battery compartment region 33,
and may be used for route accounting operations, for
example. The terminal 30 may have an electrical
interface at its end 35 which may comprise a 15-pin
connector which mates with a mating connector within
module 14 as the terminal is inserted into its module. A
terminal 30 may weigh about one kilogram including
batteries, memory and communications adapter. As with
present printers of Norand Corporation, the electrical
interface at 35 and other constituents of terminal 30 may
allow the supply of data to the terminal module interface
for printing by means of the printer unit within printer
module 16.
By way of example printer module 16 may be of
interior configuration to receive a commercially avail-
able eighty column printer which can print on three-ply
fanfold paper supplied by the paper tray module 12, e.g.
paper having a width between 5.0 inches and 10.0 inches.
An example of such a printer is the Citizen MPS-20.
Paper tray module 12 may for example, for the
portable device have a capacity of fifty sheets of three-
ply paper. As an option for a non-portable ~evice as in
FIG. 3, a paper tray module may have a capacity of two
hundred three-ply sheets.
FIG. 2 shows the frame element 21 as including
upper and lower flange portions 21A and 21B which have
opposed edges overhanging a central body portion 21C so
as to define a guideway 37 for receiving a slider member
38, FIG. 5, integral with the carrying handle 18. A
133 8 0 49 73164-25
slmllar guldeway 39 ls deflned by flange portlons of the frame
element 23.
In FIG. 3, the open frame 11 and paper tray 12 may be
ldentlcal and yet provlde a non-portable subassembly 40 whlch
may dlffer from portable devlce 10 by the absence of handle 18,
and attachment of a slde arm bracket 41 to the frame 11. The
bracket 41 may form a termlnal cradle wlth a termlnal module
receptacle 42 recelvlng a termlnal module 14 ldentlcal to that
recelved by portable devlce 10. The prlnter module receptacle
27 ls ldentlcal to that of the portable devlce 10, so as to
recelve the prlnter module 16 ln the same orlentatlon as ln FIG.
1, or reversed as in FIG. 2. A second termlnal may be located
at 42, FIG. 3, where lt may be automatlcally malntalned ln a
charged condltlon by means of a charger connected wlth vehlcle
power. A lockable llft-up cover of module 14 may retaln a
termlnal 30 slmllarly to the way shown ln a brochure number 960-
382-509 of Norand Corporatlon whlch has a 1985 copyrlght notlce
and whlch relates to a data system for bakery dlstrlbutlon. The
brochure provldes background lnformatlon as to exemplary
functloning of the computerlzed termlnal 30 and of the
lllustrated prlnter systems.
FIG. 4 shows a non-portable prlnter subassembly 40'
ldentlcal to subassembly 40 except that the slde arm bracket 41
ls mounted on the left slde of the prlnter module receptacle 27
lnstead of the rlght slde as ln FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the termlnal
module receptacle 26 ls shown ready to recelve a second termlnal
module so that two.termlnals such as 30 may be present where
13 3 8 0 4 9 73164-25
deslred. For example, one termlnal at 26 may be recharged whlle
the second terminal 30 is removed from a terminal module 14
secured in receptacle 42 for use durlng dellvery to a retall
store or the llke.
As best seen ln FIG. 4, the slde arm bracket 41 may
have a sllder member 41A lntegral therewlth whlch is slldably
engageable ln guldeway 37, FIG. 3, or guldeway 39, FIG. 4.
Sultable means, not shown, may retaln the handle or termlnal
cradle ln assembled relatlonshlp to the frame, e.g. screws or
the llke. Slmllarly, the termlnal and prlnter modules may be
flxedly retalned with the open frame e.g. by threaded fasteners.
By way of example, the portable printer devlce 10 of
FIG. 1 may conslst essentlally of open frame 11 wlth handle 18,
tray module 12 secured to the open frame 11, termlnal module 14
secured to the open frame 11, and prlnter module 16 secured to
the open frame 11 and contalnlng a prlnter unlt whlch can be
readlly removable from module 16 to provlde qulck access to the
paper tray 12. The termlnal module 14 may removably recelve a
computerlzed termlnal such as 30, FIG. 2, essentlally as shown
in the abovementloned brochure number 960-382-509 of 1985 for
the case of a van-mounted prlnter lnstallatlon or for the case
of a multl-termlnal charger lnstallatlon (except that a manually
operated latch may be substltuted for a lock on the hlnged cover
15)-
The termlnal module for a glven termlnal conflguratlon
ls essentlally the same for portable and non-portable devlces.
, .
1338049
73164-25
The termlnal module ls fleld replaceable by the customer through
the use of slmple tools so that the customer has the optlon of
replaclng an orlglnal termlnal module wlth one for a new
termlnal, e.g. a physlcally smaller termlnal.
By way of example, a non-portable prlnter devlce may
conslst essentlally of a subassembly 40 or 40' formed of the
open frame 11 and paper tray 12, together wlth a slde arm
termlnal cradle 41 and a prlnter module 16 secured to the frame
10. Module 16 would agaln contaln a prlnter unlt whlch ls
readlly removable so as to provide qulck access to the paper
tray module for the replenlshlng of the paper supply.
In the portable and non-portable devlces, the prlnter
and termlnal keyboard are preferably operable wlthout removlng
or llftlng a cover. The overall dlmenslons of each devlce,
excluslve of parts 18 or 41, may be less than 5 1/2 lnches hlgh,
15 1/2 lnches wlde and 14 1/2 lnches deep. The portable devlce
wlth a self-contalned chargeable battery (not shown) for the
prlnter unlt may have a welght of less than twelve pounds
excludlng termlnal 30. The battery when fully charged may
provlde for 10,000 llnes of prlnted output.
A DC/DC battery charger may be an optlonal source of
overnlght trlckle charglng for the prlnter battery from a route
vehlcle battery, slmllarly to the Model NP207 brlefcase prlnter
of Norand Corporatlon.
As ln the systems of brochure 960-382-509 of 1985, the
portable and non-portable systems hereln provlde for data
communlcatlon from the termlnal 30 vla the termlnal module 14 to
1338049 73164-25
the printer unlt assoclated with prlnter module 16. For
example, the prlnter unlt may have a pendant cable for receivlng
power, data and control slgnals. The length of the prlnter
cable may be sufflclent to plug lnto a receptacle of the prlnter
module prlor to assembly of the prlnter unlt wlth the prlnter
module.
The portable unlt may have an AC/DC battery charger
operable from commerclal alternatlng current power for charglng
the batterles of a termlnal 30 whlch ls lnserted lnto the
termlnal module 14 and for charglng the prlnter battery. By way
of example, the battery charger may be located ln extra space
wlthln the paper tray 12 along wlth the prlnter battery. An
ad~acent electrlc power receptacle may releasably recelve an
alternatlng current power cord for supplylng commerclal
alternatlng current power to the charger durlng battery charglng
operatlon.
Raln covers may be provlded for the portable devlce
and may be snapped on over the termlnal module 14 and the
9a
~`
13~8049 -lO-
printer module 16. Alternatively strips of synthetic
materials which adhere when pressed together, and known
under the trademark VELCRO, may be applied to mating
edges of the open frame 11 and of a top cover therefor.
To facilitate van mounting of the non-portable
device, the printer module 16 may be assembled in re-
ceptacle 27 in a first orientation with the front of the
printer adjacent frame element 22 as shown in FIG. 2, or
in a second reverse orientation with the rear of the
printer adjacent frame element 22 as shown in FIG. 3.
The terminal cradle 40 may be secured at either of two
opposite sides of open frame 11 as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4.
Data communication between the terminal module 14
and the printer module 16 or preferably the printer unit
therein may take place via optical couplers and fiber
optic conduits molded into the open frame 11. Optical
couplers may be provided at frame elements 25 and 22,
FIG. 2, to accommodate a single optical coupler of the
printer unit, or the printer unit may be provided with
two optical couplers in parallel each registering with a
single optical coupling on the frame ll for a respective
one of two different orientations of the printer module
and printer.
A van mounting plate (not shown) may be provided
with tilt adjustment so that the angle of the modular
printer device may be optimized in a non-portable
installation.
As in the system of brochure number 960-382-509 of
1985, operating power for the charging of the terminal
and printer batteries may be obtained from the vehicle
power system in which the modular printer device is
installed.
1338049 ~
DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 6-16
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a
commercial version of a porta~le modular printer device
100 in accordance with the present invention. As in the
previous embodiment, the device comprises a standardized
open frame module 111 which receives a paper tray module
112, a terminal module 114 and a printer module 116. In
this embodiment a printer cover 117 has a paper outlet
slot 117A. A control panel 118 may include actuating
regions such as "Advance Page" actuator 118A and a "Set
Top of Page" actuator 118B.
The open frame 111 may have a configuration similar
to that of frame 11 of FIG. 2, and in each embodiment the
frame may be of integral unitary construction and of
structural plastic material (e.g. Noryl FN-215) so as to
provide the desired strength and rigidity with a minimum
weight of material. Left and right frame elements 121
and 123 have upper and lower flange portions similar to
flanges 21A, 21B, FIG. 2, which protectively embrace
terminal module 114, printer module 116 and paper tray
module 112.
As best seen in FIG. 7, frame elements 121 and 123
have central grooves which are shown as receiving an
interior rib structure 130A of a foot member 130 and a
base rib structure 140A of a handle member 140. Threaded
fastening elements such as indicated at 141 and 142 in
FIG. 8 may secure members 130 and 140 with the frame 111.
As seen FIG. 6, a base 140~ of handle member 140 may
extend for the entire length of frame element 123 so as
to completely cover the central groove therein.
As shown in FIG. 7, terminal module 114 has an
elongated recess 114A accommodating reciprocal movement
of a terminal retainer bracket lS0. A hand-held terminal
corresponding to terminal 30, FIG. 2, is indicated in
dash outline at 152, FIG. 7, in coupled relationship to
the terminal module 114. The terminal 152 is disengaged
1338~9 -12-
from the terminal module by sliding the retainer bracket
150 to the right as seen in FIG. 7, against the action of
a spring means located in a bottom portion of the
terminal module 114. The spring means acts on the
bracket 150 with sufficient force to insure inter-
engagement of a socket of the terminal 152 with a plug
type connector 154 associated with the terminal module
114. Connector 154 is connected with the electric
circuitry of the printer device 100 by means of a cable
indicated at 160. As previously described, connector 154
and cable 160 provide for data communication between the
terminal indicated at 152 and a printer unit associated
with printer module 116.
As seen in FIG. 7, terminal module 114 is comprised
of a terminal holder base 170 of molded plastic
construction (e.g. Cycolac KJW, Borg Warner). The base
170 may be threadedly secured to bosses integral with the
underlying frame elements corresponding elements 24 and
25, FIG. 2. The base 170 is provided with a double wall
configuration at its opposite longitudinal ends such that
the cable 160 may extend within an enclosed chamber 172.
As shown in FIG. 8, paper tray module 112 of the
portable device 100 may be provided with a fifty sheet
paper bin 180 for holding a supply of paper which is to
be automatically fed into the printer mechanism. The
paper tray 112-1 shown in FIG. 16 is equipped with a
larger paper bin 180-1 capable of holding 200 sheets for
automatic feed into a printer mechanism. The larger
capacity paper tray module 112-1 is normally associated
with a non-portable device such as shown in FIGS. 15 and
16. The paper tray modules 112 and 112-1 may be
identical except for the difference in capacity of the
paper bins.
As diagrammatically indicated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10,
terminal holder base 170 may have an integral depressed
central bottom 190 (FIG. 7) with two integral upstanding
_ 13380 49 -13-
bosses 191, 192 (FIG. 9) serving to secure the ends of a
tension spring indicated diagrammatically at 194. The
bracket 150 includes an integral slider piece 200 with an
integral depending lug 201 about which a mid region 194A
of spring 194 may extend.
As best seen in FIG. 10, slider piece 200 may have
integral depending legs with outturned feet such as 211
which interengage with ledge parts such as 215 which are
integral with the terminal holder base 170. The upper
edges of the ledge parts such as 215 are chamfered, e.g.
over a distance of .040 inch at forty-five degrees, at
their inner edges so that the feet such as 211 will be
cammed inwardly as the sliding retainer bracket 150 is
pressed downwardly during assembly with the terminal
holder base 170. The legs 211 snap into interengagement
with ledges such as 215 to hold the parts in assembled
relation while accommodating longitudinal sliding motion
of the retainer bracket 150.
As seen in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, the connector 154 has
an associated alignment pin 220 which engages in a
receiving socket on the terminal 152 and assures reliable
interengagement of the connector pins and sockets in
spite of manufacturing tolerances. The depressed bottom
190 of the terminal holder base provides a clearance
space 221, FIG. 9, into which the slider piece 200 moves
to accommodate insertion of one end of the computer
terminal 152, FIG. 7, under lip 222 of the retainer
bracket 150, and to allow the opposite end of the
terminal 152 to be lowered into enqageable ali~nment with
the pin 220, after which the bracket 150 is allowed to
move to the left (as viewed in FIG. 7) until the terminal
152 is interengaged with connector 154 in readiness for a
data transfer operation.
In an embodiment actually constructed, the ledges
such as 215 had a length of about 5.4 inches, and the
outturned feet such as 211 had a length of about four
1~38049 l4
-
-
inches. The length of the slider piece 200 was about 9.1
inches while its slideway including clearance space 221
was about 10.2 inches, the slider piece 200 being
longitudinally shiftable over a distance of about one
inch against the action of spring 194.
To fasten the terminal module 114 with the open
frame 111, the open frame is provided with four integral
tabs such as 231, FIG. 10, having internally threaded
sleeves for receiving screws such as 232, FIGS. 9 and 10.
As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, a sealing strip
240 extends about the perimeter of the two openings in
the frame 111 with a downturned integral edge 241 of the
terminal module 114 being held in sealing relation
against the seal strip 240 continuously about the
perimeter of the terminal module.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the paper tray module
180 has bosses such as 250 ( FIG. 8), 251 ( FIG. 10) and
252 ( FIGS. 8 and 10) at respective corners which receiver
screws such as 253, FIG. 10, threadedly engaged with the
frame 111. In particular, the frame has integral corner
tabs such as 254 ( FIG. 8), 255 ( FIGS. 8 and 10) and 256
(FIG. 10) with internally threaded sleeves for receiving
the screws such as 253.
As seen in FIG. 9, the paper tray module includes a
pair of integral retaining fingers 261, 262 for receiving
a battery pack 263 for use during portable operation. A
printed circuit board 264, FIG. 7, occupying a left
marginal region of the paper tray 112 may have a plug-in
type receptacle thereon adjacent finger 261, FIG. 9, for
receiving input direct current operating power from the
battery pack.
In the illustrated embodiment the control panel 118
includes an apertured structural member 270A which is an
integral part of a one-piece printer case 270 of plastic
material (e.g. Cycolac KJW, Borg Warner). The case is of
generally open rectangular configuration and overlies
-15-
- 1338049
four elements of the frame 111 (corresponding to frame
elements 21, 22, 23, 25, FIG. 2). The case 270 includes
a rectangular perimeter 271, FIG. 10, which continuously
sealingly engages the sealing strip 240.
The frame 111 includes an integral crosspiece 280,
FIG. 10, with integral tab portions such as 281, FIG. 10,
having threaded sleeves to which overlying flanges such
as 282 ( FIGS. 9 and 10) and 283 ( FIG. 9) of the printer
case 270 are secured by means of screws such as 284.
Corner tabs 254 and 255, FIG. 8, of the frame 111 are
threadably engaged with corner flange parts 287 ( FIGS.
8-10) and 288 ( FIG. 8 and 9) as indicated by screw 291,
FIGS. 9 and 10.
The printer case 270 is provided with integral
inwardly projecting ribs at opposite sides thereof which
define printer module mounting means 301, 302, FIGS. 9
and 10. The purpose of mounting means 301, 302 is
explained in detail hereafter in reference to FIG. 11.
As seen in FIG.10, each of the mounting means includes a
vertical guide channel such as 301A connecting with an
arcuate guide channel such as 301B.
As seen in FIG. 8, a rear wall element 270B of the
printer case 270 has a series of five notches leaving
exposed ledges such as 311 which interengage with hook
parts integral with vertical ribs such as 312, FIG. 10.
This provides for a hinged coupling of the rear wall 117B
of cover 117 with the rear wall 270s of the printer case,
the frontal edge of cover 117 having a series of cam
hooks such as 31~ which can be snapped into engagement
with an edge 315 of the printer case 270. When the cover
117 is opened, it ~an be completely removed by pulling
the integral hooks of ribs 312 forwardly out of the
notches 310.
The rear wall element 270B, FIG. 10, has a sealing
strip 320 secured thereon which engages with a lower edge
of cover wall 117B when the cover 117 is in closed
13380 49 -16-
position. The cover 117 has a further sealing strip 321
which together with sealing strip 320 extends along the
entire closure perimeter of the cover 117. A clear soft
plastic strip 330 may be secured in a recess 331, FIG. 6,
e.g. by means of adhesive at 332, FIG. 10, so that a flap
330A of strip 330 normally covers the paper outlet slot
117A while still allowing paper to be fed therefrom
during printing operation.
FIG. 11 shows a printer module 350 interengaged
with the printer case 270. In particular the printer
module is provided with a generally u-shaped pivot frame
351 of pressed metal which adapts various commercially
available printer mechanisms such as 352 to the printer
case 270.
The pivot frame 351 has upstanding lateral flanges
such as 351A each of which carries a pivot shaft with a
disk 355 which fits into a conforming receiving slot such
as indicated at 356, FIG. 10, of the printer module
mounting means 301, 302, FIG. 9. A limit pin 360, FIG.
11, of each pivot frame lateral flange is of lesser
diameter than disk 355 so as to be freely movable in the
vertical channel 301A and in the arcuate channel 301B,
FIG. 10.
The pivot frame 351 of the printer module 350 is
further provided with a pair of longitudinally extending
flanges such as 351B which carry rotary latch mechanisms
361. The latch mechanisms each include a sleeve 362
which has an extended position as indicated in dot dash
outline at 362-1 and which is shiftable against the
action of a compression spring 364 as the printer module
pivots clockwise as shown in FIG. 11 from the inactive
position 350-1 to the position shown in solid lines at
350. As the sleeve 362 retracts a bar-shaped lug 366
moves through a conforming elongated slot such as 367 in
a tab such as 288, FIG. 9. When lug 366 reaches a
position below the tab 288, a camming action between
1338043 -17-
sleeve 362 and the lug stem may cause the lug 366 to
rotate slightly and interlock with the tab. To release
the lug 366, the printer module is rocked slightly in the
clockwise direction against the action of spring 364,
whereupon the lug 366 is realigned with its slot 367 to
allow counterclockwise pivotal movement of the printer
module to position 350-l.
The pivot frame 350 further includes a çentral
curved extension 351C disposed between the longitudinal
flanges 351B and providing a smooth paper guide face 370
which forms part of a paper feed path 371. When the
printer module is pivoted to position 350-1, the paper
path may be extended as indicated at 371-1.
FIGS. 12-14 show an AC adapter module 400 which is
readily applied to the portable version of FIGS. 6-11 in
place of foot member 130. For this purpose, the module
400 is provided with internally threaded sleeves at
401-403 so as to be aligned with respective apertures
such as that receiving screw 141, FIG. 8. The frame
module of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be identical to the frame
module 111 of FIGS. 6-11 so that the same reference
numeral has been applied in FIGS. 13 and 14, the aperture
410, FIG. 13, being covered by the foot member 130 in
FIGS. 6-11.
The adapter module 400 may have a pair of flat
raised parts such as 400A, FIG. 13, for resting stably on
a flat surface with the handle uppermost. The module 400
has external closure walls 411-416 and butts against
frame element 121 so as to provide a first chamber 421
open only at an end 421A, and a second chamber 422 closed
at both ends by walls 414 and 416.
A power cord 430 includes a coiled section 430A
stored in chamber 421 and further section 430B extending
in chamber 422. An inner end portion 430C of the power
cord extends from chamber 422 to a central chamber 433
and then through aperture 410, FIG. 13, in frame 111 and
into the interior of the portable device. The AC power
133~Q ~3 -18- .
-
may be supplied to a suitable power supply circuit withinthe portable device. Alternatively the power supply
circuit may be located within chamber 422, for example.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a conventional power
plug 440 is affixed at the outer end of the power cord
and when not in use may be engaged in slots 441 in a
closure wall 416A at the adjacent end of chamber 422.
When the power cord 430 is to be connected with
commercial AC power, the plug 440 is disengaged from the
slots 441 in wall 416A, and the coiled section 430A
withdrawn as far as necessary from chamber 421 through
the open end 42lA.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a non-portable version 500
which may be constructed primarily from the same
components as the portable version of FIGS. 6-11. In
FIGS. 15 and 16, the frame module 111 may be identical to
frame module 111 of FIGS. 6-14 and receive the same
reference numerals. In FIGS. 15 and 16, the printer case
is identical to the case 270 of FIGS. 6-11 and has the
same reference numeral applied thereto. Since the
printer case 270, FIG. 16 has been reversed in its
receiving space of frame 111, the frame side walls 121
and 123 are to the right and left relative to the control
panel 118 which is considered to be at the front of the
device.
In FIG. 15, printer cover 117 and paper outlet slot
117A are identical, but are of reversed orientation along
with the printer module and printer case 270.
In FIGS. 15 and 16, the receptacle for the terminal
module 114 simply receives a cover plate 510, while in
place of foot member 130, FIG. 7, the frame module 111
receives a terminal side bracket 520, which secùres to
the frame in the same manner as foot member 130, FIG. 8,
or AC module 400, FIG. 12. The terminal side bracket 520
receives a terminal module 114 identical to that of FIG.
7. Reference numerals 150, 152 and 222 are applied in
1338~ ~9 -19-
FIG. 15 and have been explained in relation to FIGS. 7
and 9.
The aperture 410, FIG. 13, in the frame module 111
is of a size and location to accommodate the cable 160,
FIG. 7, for the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and
16.
The paper tray module of FIGS. 15 and 16 may
correspond with the paper tray module 112 of FIGS. 7 and
8, but may be of substantially greater depth so that
paper bin 180-1 of FIG. 16 may accommodate a
substantially greater number of paper sheets, e.g. two
hundred paper sheets instead of fifty.
In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-11 and 15 and
16, the printer module 350, FIG. 11, may be completely
removed from the unit by vertically aligning limit pin
360 under disk 355, FIG. 11, and then lifting module 350
vertically so that pin 360 travels upwardly along channel
301a as the disk is lifted from its receiving recess 356,
FIGS. 9 and 10. The electrical connections may be of the
pin and socket type so as to readily severed, and readily
reestablished.
It will be apparent that many modifications and
variations may be made without departing from the scope
of the teachings and concepts of the present invention.
