Apparatus and methods for print cartridge protection

Details Apparatus and methods for print cartridge protection Apparatus and methods for print cartridge protection

2000-05-15

2001-11-13

Brase, Sandra (Department: 2852)

Electrophotography

Having particular structure

Modular or displaceable

C399S111000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06317573

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to abrasion resistive packaging, such as packaging to protect a photoreceptor of a print device.
2. Description of Related Art
In current printing applications, print cartridges are incorporated in printing devices. The print cartridges contain a printing material, such as toner. Typically, the print cartridges are replaceable, and the print cartridges are discarded when they run out of toner, and a new print cartridge is inserted into the print device. The disposability of the print cartridges requires that new print cartridges be shipped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Portions of the print cartridge can be damaged during shipping or storage prior to use. For example, the photoreceptor is sensitive to abrasion. Thus, it is desirable to protect the print cartridge so as to protect the photoreceptor from damage.
In printing applications, photoreceptor drums are used to transfer toner from a storage area to a recording medium. These photoreceptor drums are sensitive to abrasion which may wear off the photoreceptor coating. One method of protecting these print cartridges is to use heavy paper during storage and transport to prevent damage to the photoreceptor drum.
A photoreceptor protector covers the photoreceptor drum which is contained in a print cartridge. The print cartridge is used in various models of printers, copiers, facsimile machines to produce output on the recording medium. Print cartridges need replacement on a regular basis as the print cartridges hold toner and the toner is used to make recordings on a recording material. The toner thereby runs out and either needs to be replenished or the print cartridge needs to be replaced.
One example of photoreceptor protectors utilize heavy paper with at least one adhesive zone to attach the heavy paper to the print cartridge. The photoreceptor protector is then removed by peeling the heavy paper and adhesive off of the print cartridge to expose the photoreceptor drum.
The adhesive used to attached the photoreceptor protector to the print cartridge can be problematic. The adhesive can be difficult to apply. Errors in applying the adhesive include the adhesive being applied to the wrong area or in an excessive amount. Further, once applied, the adhesive will not always be completely removed from the print cartridge when the photoreceptor protector is removed.
This invention provides systems and methods for protecting the photoreceptor drum without using adhesive. The adhesives are eliminated by the use of a hook type fold feature. The hook type fold feature holds the end of the photoreceptor protector in place without the use of adhesives. Thus the systems and methods of this invention reduce the number and amount of adhesives needed during manufacture. Further, the systems and methods of this invention make for a simpler photoreceptor protector that is more environmentally friendly because of the lack of adhesives.
The systems and methods according to this invention take advantage of the discovery that print cartridges have areas capable of receiving a portion of a folded photoreceptor protector that will retain the portion of the photoreceptor protector without the need for adhesive.
Lastly, the systems and methods of this invention allow for easier removal of the photoreceptor protector from the print cartridge because the person removing the photoreceptor protector does not have to remove the adhesive.
These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4655578 (1987-04-01), Kurtz et al.
patent: 5307117 (1994-04-01), Harlan
patent: 5708924 (1998-01-01), Shogren et al.
patent: 5918091 (1999-06-01), Saeki
patent: 5974287 (1999-10-01), Kurz et al.
patent: 6014535 (2000-01-01), Zenk et al.
patent: 6097912 (2000-08-01), Watson et al.

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