Importance

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Abstract

An enclosure (10) for a device (86) for recording information onto a strip of printing medium (14) is disclosed, and includes a base (11), forming a cavity (84), and first and second covers (12, 13) pivotally secured to the base. The first and second covers move opposedly to each other between open and closed positions to allow replacement of the printing meduim, which is wound onto a spool. The base and a printhead (16) are pivotally coupled to the first cover by cover and printhead links (30, 58), enabling the printhead to move with and remain covered by the first cover when the enclosure is opened. A drive roller (17) is rotatably secured to the second cover and is biased against the printhead for advancement of the printing medium when the enclosure is closed. When the second cover pivots to its open position, the roller is withdrawn from the base, but remains continuously engaged to a drive motor (18) by a series of gears. The first and second cover meet when closed to form a printing medium exit slot, and are locked in their closed position by locking tabs (42) included on the first cover, locking notches (44, 45) included in the base and second cover, and the cooperative action of the cover and printhead links. Lifting of a release flange (50) included on the first cover unlocks the covers, allowing biasing springs (34, 40) to move the covers to their open positions. An ejector arm (52) attached to the second cover ejects the depleted printing medium spool upon opening of the enclosure.

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First Claim