TRANSPORT PACKAGE FOR A WIDE FORMAT MEDIA ROLL

Abstract

 The present invention provides to a transport package for lifting and positioning a wide format media roll into or out of a printing system, comprising a deformable support body for supporting a bottom side of a media roll in a stabilized manner, a releasable securing member for releasably securing a first end of the support body to an attachment region of the support body, such that the support body forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll, and at least one carrying member provided at a second end of the support body and arranged for engaging lifting means for lifting the media roll. Additionally, a media roll assembly and a method for loading a media roll into a printing system are provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Application No. 15183269.8, filed in Europe on 01-09-2015, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a media roll assembly for lifting and positioning a wide format media roll into or out of a printing system, a transport package for use in a media roll assembly, and a method for the loading a media roll into a wide format printing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In wide format printing, the sheet media are generally supplied on media rolls, comprising a tubular roll core around which the sheet media has been wrapped. Media rolls are loaded by an operator into a media input module of a wide format printing system prior to printing. The media rolls are long and heavy, generally around 42" (±107 cm) in length and 18 kg in weight. In the state of the art the media rolls are loaded by hand, which is difficult for an operator due to the large dimensions and weight of the media roll. The media roll is engaged at its ends by one or two operators and needs to be positioned accurately into the media input module to avoid damage to the media roll and/or printing system. The media input module is generally accessible only in the vertical direction, and any available manoeuvring space is further limited by the presence of the printing system. Drawback of the above described loading of media rolls is that it difficult and straining for an operator. Loading takes a relatively long time, reducing productivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for easy loading of a media roll into a media input module of a wide format printing system. Additionally, the invention seeks to provide a cheap and compact solution for loading of a media roll into a media input module, which allows for damage-free loading of the media roll.

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by a media roll assembly according to claim 1, by a transport package according to claim 4, and/or by a method according to claim 14. Advantageous or preferred features of the invention are recited in the dependent claims.

[0006] It is the insight of the inventor that by providing a transport package around the media roll, the media roll can be easily handled by engaging carrying members on the transport package. It is a further insight of the inventor that such a transport package can be used to protect the media roll from damage.

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a media roll assembly for lifting and positioning a wide format media roll into or out of a printing system. The media roll assembly comprises a wide format media roll comprising a tubular core around which a print medium is wound, and a transport package for lifting and positioning the media roll assembly into or out of the printing system. The transport package comprises:

• a longitudinal, deformable support body;
• a releasable securing member for releasably securing a first end of the support body to an attachment region of the support body, such that the support body forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll, and which releasable securing member is arranged for opening the substantially closed loop of the support member for releasing the media roll; and
• at least one carrying member provided at the first and/or a second end of the support body and arranged for engaging lifting means for lifting the media roll assembly.

[0008] In this way, the invention provides a means for easy loading of a media roll into a media input module of a wide format printing system. The transport package may be provided around the media roll by folding the deformable support body around the media roll, such that a first end of the longitudinal support body is brought into contact with an attachment region elsewhere on the support body. The attachment region may be positioned on the support body spaced apart from the first end in a longitudinal direction of the support body, for example at the second end. The first end is then releasably secured to the attachment region by a releasable securing member, such that the support body forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll. The securing member may be provided at the first end in the form of an adhesion strip or fastening means. The closed loop of the support body around the media roll protects at least part of the outer surface of the media roll.

[0009] At least one carrying member is provided at one of the first end and the second end of the longitudinal support body. The carrying member is arranged for being engaged by lifting means, such that the media roll may be easily lifted. The lifting means may comprise the hands of the operator or a lifting device, such as a lift or crane. During lifting, the media roll is supported by the surrounding support body, which hangs from the carrying member, which in turn hangs from the lifting means. As such, there is no need to engage the media roll directly, preventing damage to the outer surface. The carrying member may be positioned with respect to the media roll to provide the optimum engaging position for an operator or lifting device. For example, when a single operator wishes to manually lift the media, two gripping elements may be providing in the carrying member near to and on either side of the center of mass of the media roll, spaced apart for example at shoulder width for an operator. This allows a single operator to manually lift the roll in a stabilized manner. The cumbersome manual loading wherein one or two operators engage both ends of the roll core of the media roll is avoided. Furthermore, the loading time may be reduced, increasing productivity. As such, the present invention allows for easy and swift loading of a media roll into a media input module of a wide format printing system.

[0010] It is noted that the "during operation" may refer to the state wherein the media roll is being lifted. The carrying member may then be engaged by the lifting means, such that the media roll is suspended from the carrying member.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the support body, during operation, supports part of, preferably a majority of, a length of the bottom side of the media roll, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the media roll, for supporting the media roll in a stabilized manner. The support body preferably extends laterally from a central plane of the media roll (corresponding to the center of mass of the media roll) towards either end of the media roll to stabilize the roll during lifting. The width of the longitudinal support body may correspond to the width of the sheet media on the media roll, such that the outer surface of the sheet media is covered and therefore protected during operation. The support body may leave the outer ends of the media roll unsupported, but preferably the width of the support body is sufficiently large to allow for a stabilized supporting of the media roll during operation.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the releasable securing member is arranged for securing the first end of the support body onto the second end of the support body. The second end comprises the attachment region. Preferably, the distance between the first and second ends of the support body corresponds to the size of the circumference of the sheet medium on the media roll for providing a fitting enclosure. Preferably, the spacing between the first end and the second end of the support body is substantially equal to the circumference of the sheet medium on the media roll, such that the support body contacts substantially the full circumference of the sheet medium. By matching the support body's length to the media roll's sheet medium circumference, a close fit or even a tight fit may be achieved. Thereby, stability is increased and the dimensions of and amount of material for the support body may be minimized. The support body's length may alternatively exceed the circumference of the sheet medium on the media roll, allowing the roll to rotate within the loop of the support body.

[0013] In an embodiment, the support body during operation is substantially circumferentially provided over the outer surface of the media roll. Additionally, the support body may be substantially flat, and preferably rectangular, and is arranged to deform correspondingly to the outer surface of the media roll. The support body may be deformable, preferably between a substantially straight or planar state prior to securing it around the media roll and a support state, wherein the support body is wrapped around the media roll. The support body may deform conform to the shape of the media roll, and thus possess a substantially round or circular cross-section during operation. The support body as such may extend circumferentially over the media roll for a full turn or stroke. By providing a circumferential protective layer of the support body over the media roll, the sheet medium is protected, e.g. from impact damage. It also allows an operator to engage the media roll without polluting the outer surface of the sheet media.

[0014] In an even further embodiment, the first end of the support body comprises a guide element for guiding the first end of the support body around the media roll before securing it to the support body. This is especially advantageous when the media roll has to be removed from a media output unit of the printer. The operator may firstly slide the guide element, for example a thin guide strip connected to the first end of the support body, around the media roll, and subsequently pull on the guide strip to guide the support body around the media roll. The support body may be very flexible to allow easy guidance around the media roll when pulled by the guide element. This allows for a quick and easy application of the transport package around the media roll.

[0015] In another embodiment, the at least one carrying member is foldably connected to the second end of the support body along a fold line substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the media roll during operation. The carrying member may be a flap extending from the second end in the longitudinal direction of the support body, and comprising engaging elements, such as holes or hooks. During operation the carrying member extends away from the media roll, for example in a radial or tangential direction. By folding the carrying member onto the media roll, the dimensions of the media roll and transport package assembly are reduced. Thereby, such assemblies may be stored in an effective manner by folding the carrying member over the fold line into a storage state. Additionally, the fold line may extend, such that in the storage state, the carrying member forms a substantially planar surface, preferably substantially tangential to the circumference of the medial roll. The planar surface may prevent rolling of the sheet rolls during storage or aid in the stacking of such media roll assemblies. In an embodiment where the carrying member is connected to the first end, the above may be applied mutatis mutandis.

[0016] In an embodiment, the support body and the at least one carrying member are integrally formed, preferably of cardboard or plastic. The transport package may as such be formed of a single strip of material. One end comprises the securing member, while at the other end the carrying member extends from the attachment region. Holes or recesses may be provided in the strip at the carrying member to provide engaging elements for lifting the media roll assembly. The securing member may be provided as glue strip or a fastening element at the respective end of the strip. As such, a cheap, compact, and easy to produce transport package is provided.

[0017] In another embodiment, a further carrying member is provided at the other one of the first end and second end of the support body. Where the carrying member is connected to the one end (e.g. the second end), the further carrying member is provided at the other end (e.g. the first end), and vice versa. Multiple carrying members allow for a more stabile support of the media roll. The support body thus comprises carrying members at both ends. Preferably, the further carrying member at the other end of the support body with respect to the at least one carrying member is shaped correspondingly to the at least one carrying member. The at least one carrying member may be positioned or folded onto the further carrying member, such that one carrying member supports and/or reinforces the other. Preferably, the engaging elements in the at least two carrying members overlap during operation. As such, the at least two carrying members during operation may form a combined carrying member with an increased load capacity with respect to a single carrying member.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the at least one carrying member is provided with at least one opening for engaging the carrying member by lifting means. The opening thus forms an engaging element, for example, for an operator's hand or a hook of a lifting device.
It will be appreciated that the in the media roll assembly, the transport package need not be provided around the media roll. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a media roll assembly and a transport package together, which may be assembled by an operator. The operator may then apply the transport package to the media roll. In a preferred embodiment, the media roll and the transport package are provided together in a common cover or packaging material. Media rolls are generally supplied in packaging materials such as longitudinal boxes. Alternatively, the media roll assembly may be covered in a foil. Upon opening the packaging material, the operator takes out the transport package and applies it around the media roll. The packaging material may be shaped such that, after opening it, the media roll may roll over part of the packaging material. This prevents contact between the floor and the media roll, preventing contamination. The operator may then first place the transport package on the opened packaging material and roll the media roll over both the transport package and the packaging material into a suitable position for closing the transport package around the media roll. No lifting of the media roll is required to apply the transport package, easing the burden of the operator. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport package is provided in the packaging material such that opening the packaging material positions the transport package in a position for rolling the media roll over the transport package to close the transport package around the media roll. In case of a box, the transport package may be removably attached one or more radial side walls of the box. When opening the box, the operator folds these one more side walls over a longitudinal fold line, which fold line is preferably in a botttom part of the box resting on the floor. Thereby, a surface is formed whereover the media roll may be rolled. The transport package attached to said surface is readily positioned for rolling the media roll thereover. In this manner, an easy and rapid assembly of the media roll assembly according to the present invention is achieved.

[0019] In a further aspect, the present invention provides transport package for use in a media roll assembly according to the present invention. The transport package comprises:

• a longitudinal, deformable support body arranged for, during operation, supporting a bottom side of a media roll in a stabilized manner;
• a releasable securing member for releasably securing a first end of the support body to an attachment region of the support body, such that, during operation, the support body forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll; and
• at least one carrying member provided at the first end and/or a second end of the support body and arranged for engaging lifting means for lifting the media roll. During operation, the releasable securing member releasably secures the first end of the support body to the attachment region of the support body. The transport package may then be engaged at the at least one carrying member. This allows for easy lifting of the media roll, thereby achieving the object of the present invention.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the transport package extends to either side of a center of mass of the media roll in the longitudinal direction of the media roll, and preferably the transport package extends circumferentially over the outer surface of the media roll.

[0021] In another embodiment, the releasable securing member comprises glue, a tear away seal element, and/or releasable fastening elements, such as magnets, or clamps.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming a media roll assembly according to present invention. The method comprises the steps of:

• transporting a wide format media roll comprising a tubular core around which a print medium is wound and a transport package according to the present invention to one another; and
• applying a packaging material around the wide format media roll and the transport package. The transport package and media roll are preferably configured as described in any of the above mentioned embodiments. The packaging material is arranged for holding both the media roll and transport package, and may be for example a box or foil surrounding the media roll assembly. By bringing the media roll and the transport package together in a packaging material or box, the media roll assembly according to the present invention may be easily produced and provided to operators. These operators, after opening the packaging material, may then easily apply the transport package to the media roll.

[0023] In an even further aspect, the present invention provides a method for loading a media roll into a wide format printing system, wherein the media roll comprises a transport package according to the present invention, comprising the steps of:

• engaging at least one carrying member provided at the first end and/or a second end of the support body of the transport package provided as a substantially closed loop around the media roll;
• lifting the media roll by means of the at least one carrying member;
• transporting the media roll into the printing system;
• releasing the releasable securing member, such that the first end of the support body is released from the attachment region of the support body and the substantially closed loop is opened; and
• removing the transport package from the media roll.

[0024] The carrying member is preferably provided with engaging elements, such as openings, perforations or recesses, for engaging the lifting means, such as the operator's hand or hook of a lifting device. As such, the media roll assembly is positioned into the media input module. After placement in the media input module, the transport package is opened, for example by opening the releasable securing member. The transport package is then removed from the media roll. This allows for a rapid loading of a media roll into a media input module.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the present invention further comprises the steps of:

• providing the media roll with the transport package by:
• guiding the first end of the support body of the transport package around the media roll; and
• securing the first end of the support body to an attachment region of the support body, preferably to the second end of the support body, by means of the releasable securing member.

[0026] The first end of the support body is guided around the media roll. It is for example slid below and over the media roll. This may be done with the aid of a guide element at the first end of the support body, which guide element is guided around the media roll. By pulling the guide element, the support body is drawn around the media roll. Next the first end is brought into contact with the attachment region and secured thereto by the releasable securing member. The support body then forms a closed loop around the media roll. The media roll may then be easily lifted by engaging the carrying member.

[0027] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a media roll assembly according to an embodiment of the invention during operation;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the media roll assembly in Fig. 1, with the transport package in its planar state;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of media the roll assembly in Fig. 1, with the carrying member in its storage state; and

Fig. 4a-b are schematic perspective views of another embodiment of the transport package according to the present invention, being wrapped around the media roll.

[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0030] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used in the present specification have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 1 a schematic illustration of media roll assembly 20 according to the present invention is shown. The media roll 10 comprises sheet media 11 wrapped around a roll core 12. The transport package 1 according to the present invention surrounds the media roll 10 with its support body 2. Carrying members 4, 4a, 4b extend away from the support body 2 and comprise engaging elements 6, whereby the media roll assembly 20 may be engaged and lifted.

[0033] The media roll 10 comprises a longitudinal roll core 12, generally formed of cardboard or plastic. The length of the tubular roll core 12 is typically around 42", though smaller and larger sizes, such as 64" may be applied. Sheet media 11 is wrapped around the roll core 12 up to a diameter exceeding that of the roll core 12. The total weight of the media roll 10 is generally around 18 kg, but media rolls 10 may be lighter or heavier. The weight of the media roll 10 may be restricted to a maximum weight to ensure its handling proceeds ergonomically (for example, the maximum weight allowed for manual lifting by a single operator in the Netherlands is 25 kg). The roll core 12 in Fig. 1 has a similar length as the width of the sheet media 11, but the roll core 12 may extend beyond the edges of the sheet medium 11 to facilitate easy placing of the roll media 10 in an media input module. Alternatively, a roll core holder can be provided at either end of the roll core 12. The roll core holder may be arranged for supporting and driving the rotation of the media roll 10.

[0034] The transport package 1 for lifting and positioning a wide format media roll into or out of a printing system in Fig. 1 comprises a longitudinal, deformable support body 2. The support body 2 in Fig. 1 surrounds the sheet medium 11 on the media roll 10. Fig. 1 depicts the media roll assembly 20 during operation, wherein the media roll assembly 20 is suspended from the carrying member 4, 4a, 4b, which is being lifted either by hand or by a lifting device (not shown). The bottom part of the media roll 10 is supported by the support body 2. Since the support body 2 in Fig. 1 is shaped conform to the shape of the rolled up sheet media 11, it stabilizes the media roll 10 at its bottom side during support. The media roll 10 hangs in support body 2, which acts as a noose on the media roll 10. Thus, the media roll 10 is secured and stabilized in the support body 2 in a support state of the transport package 1.

[0035] The cylindrical support body 2 forms a closed loop around the media roll 10. The loop is formed by bringing the first end 2a of the support body in contact with an attachment region 3b elsewhere on the support body 2. A securing region 3a at the first end 2a is releasably secured to the attachment region 3b by means of a securing member 3. The attachment region 3b in Fig. 1 is positioned at the second end 2b of the support body 2, which is wrapped circumferentially around the media roll 10. By providing the support body 2 substantially circumferentially over the outer surface of the media roll 10, a close fit between the two may be achieved. Any upward or tilting motion up the media roll 10 may then be counteracted by the rigidity of the tubular support body 2. Thus, stability is increased.

[0036] The releasable securing member 3 is arranged for releasing the attached securing region 3a from the attachment region 3b, such that the media roll 10 may be released from the transport package 1. Opening the transport package 1 is preferably performed after installing the media roll 10 in the media input module. The securing member 3 can then be released, detaching the securing region 3a at the first end 2a from the attachment region 3b at the second end 2b, opening the closed loop. Since the support body 2 is deformable, it may then be easily removed from the media roll 10.

[0037] In Fig. 1, a carrying member 4b is provided at the second end 2b of the support body 2. A similar carrying member 4a extends from the first end 2a along the carrying member 4b, such that a combined carrying member 4 is formed. Each carrying member 4, 4a, 4b is provided with engaging elements 6, by means of which the media roll 10 may be lifted. The carrying members 4a, 4b correspond in shape and size. Because of their overlap, it is possible to engage both carrying member 4a, 4b simultaneously with a single hand or lifting device. The carrying members 4a, 4b may be secured to one another to form the combined carrying member 4, for example by gluing them together. The openings 6 in each carrying member 4a, 4b are positioned such that during operation respective openings 6 overlap, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the media roll assembly 20 of Fig. 1 with the transport package 1 in an open state. The transport package 1 in Fig. 2 is in its straight or planar state. The transport package 1 in Fig. 2 is open for receiving the media roll 10. In this state the transport package 1 is substantially rectangular and may for example be formed of a strip of cardboard or plastic. From left to right in Fig. 2, the transport package 1 comprises a first carrying member 4a with openings 6 and a fold line 5, the securing region 3a for the securing member 3, the support body 2 whereupon the media roll 10 rests, the attachment region 3b, and finally a second carrying member 4b with openings 6.

[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates the dimensions of the support body 2. The length L of the support body 2 is preferably such that the support body 2 substantially conforms to the outer surface of the media roll 10. To this end, the length L of the support body 2 may correspond to or be substantially equal to the circumference of the sheet medium 11 of the media roll 10. The maximum radius R of the media roll 10 or the sheet medium 11 may therefore be related to the length L of the support body 2, via L ≈ 2πR. The width W of the rectangular support body 2 is preferably less than the length W_m of the media roll 10, though it may be equal so as to protect the entire outer surface of the sheet medium 11. The medium roll 10 is positioned with respect to the support body 2, such that the media roll 10 is supported along a substantial part of its length. By positioning the support body 2 symmetrically with respect to a central plane of the media roll 10, the assembly 20 becomes easy to balance during support. Two or more transport packages 1 may alternatively be provided on the media roll 10, preferably symmetrically with respect to the central plane of the media roll 10.

[0040] When comparing Fig. 2 to Fig. 1, the deformation of the support body 2 becomes apparent. In Fig. 2 the support body 2 is substantially straight, while in Fig. 1 it is substantially curved around the media roll 10. This deformation allows the transport package 1 to be easily wrapped around the media roll 10, especially when unloading the media roll 10 from a media output module. The support body 1 may be formed of cardboard or plastic to achieve the desired flexibility and yet be sufficiently strong for lifting the media roll 10. In Fig. 2 the carrying members 4a, 4b are integrally formed with the support body 2. This allows the transport package 1 to be easily and cheaply produced from e.g. strips of cardboard or plastic.

[0041] In Fig. 3, a cross-section of a media roll assembly 20 according to the present invention is shown. The sheet medium 11 is wrapped around the cylindrical tube of the roll core 12. The support body 2 is provided circumferentially around the sheet medium 11, with the carrying members 4, 4a, 4b extending from the support body 2. The cross-section of the support body in Fig. 3 is substantially circular, conforming to the shape of the wrapped sheet medium 11. A roll core holder (not shown) may be placed in either end of the roll core 12 for supporting the roll core 12 in the media input module.

[0042] In Fig. 3, the media roll assembly 20 is in its storage state. The carrying members 4a, 4b, 4 have been folded along fold line 5, such that each carrying member 4, 4a, 4b comprises two member parts at a, preferably substantially straight, angle with respect to one another. The fold line 5 runs parallel to a central axis of the media roll 10. The member parts in Fig. 3 extend tangentially from the cylindrical support body 2. In the storage state, the media roll assembly 20 takes up less space and may allow stacking of multiple media roll assemblies 20 next to or atop one another. Furthermore, in the storage state the assembly 20 is unable to roll away, allowing it to be stored safely.

[0043] In Fig. 4a-b illustrate the steps of a method of applying transport package 101 according to the present invention around a media roll 110. The transport package 101 in Fig. 4 is preferably flexible and comprises at a first end a guide element 107. The guide element 107 may be substantially stiff with respect to the support body 102 of the transport package 101. In Fig. 4a-b the guide element 107 comprises a curved surface for guiding the guide element 107 around the media roll 110. The radii of curvature of the curved surface of the guide element 107 and the outer surface of the media roll 110 may be comparable. Since the guide element 107 is relatively stiff and curved correspondingly to the media roll 110, the guide element 107 can be easily guided below or over the media roll 110, whereupon the guide element 107 is engaged at the other the side of the media roll 110. By pulling the guide element 107, the remainder of the transport package 101 is pulled around the media roll 110. Preferably, the support body 102 is flexible such that it easily conforms to the shape of the media roll 110.

[0044] The guide element 107 is then folded back towards a second end of the transport package 101, where it is attached to an attachment region to close the loop of the transport package 101. As such, the guide element 107 may form the securing member 103. In Fig. 4a-b, the guide element 107 is formed as a loop 103 which may engage a hook for securing the transport package 101. Alternatively, a safety locking device, as e.g. in seat belt buckles, may be applied. The transport package 101 may then be lifted by means of the guide member 107. In Fig. 4a-b, the loop 103 of the guide member 107 may be provided over a hook which subsequently lifts the media roll assembly. The guide element 107 thus forms both the securing element 103 as well as the carrying member 104. Thus, the transport package 101 may be swiftly and easily provided around a media roll 110. The media roll 110 may then be swiftly and without damage to the sheet medium be transported to and placed in a media input module. The securing member 103 is then released, opening the closed loop of the transport package 101, and releasing the roll 110. The transport package 101 may then be pulled to remove it from the media input module.

[0045] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0046] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

1. Media roll assembly (20) for use in a wide format printing system, comprising:

- a wide format media roll (10, 110) comprising a tubular core (12) around which a print medium (11) is wound; and

- a transport package (1, 101) for lifting and positioning the media roll assembly (20) into or out of the printing system, which transport package (1, 101) comprises:

- a longitudinal, deformable support body (2, 102);

- a releasable securing member (3, 103) for releasably securing a first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) to an attachment region (3b) of the support body (2, 102), such that the support body (2, 102) forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll (10, 110), and which releasable securing member (3, 103) is arranged for opening the substantially closed loop of the support member (2, 102) for releasing the media roll (10, 110); and

- at least one carrying member (4, 4a, 4b, 104) provided at the first and/or the second end (2a, 2b) of the support body (2, 102) and arranged for engaging lifting means for lifting the media roll assembly (20).

2. Media roll assembly (20) according to claim 1, wherein the transport package (2, 102) extends to either side of a center of mass of the media roll (10, 110) in the longitudinal direction of the media roll (10, 110).

3. Media roll (20) assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the releasable securing member (3, 103) comprises glue, a tear away seal element, and/or releasable fastening elements, such as magnets, or clamps.

4. A transport package (1, 101) for use in a media roll (20) assembly according to any of the previous claims, comprising:

- a longitudinal, deformable support body (2, 102) arranged for, during operation, supporting a bottom side of a media roll (10, 110) in a stabilized manner;

- a releasable securing member (3, 103) for releasably securing a first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) to an attachment region (3b) of the support body (2, 102), such that, during operation, the support body (2, 102) forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll (10, 110); and

- at least one carrying member (4, 4a, 4b, 104) provided at a second end (2b) of the support body (2, 102) and arranged for engaging lifting means for lifting the media roll (10, 110).

5. A transport package (1, 101) according to claim 4, wherein, during operation, the support body (2, 102) supports part of a length of the bottom side of the media roll (10, 110), as seen in a longitudinal direction of the media roll (10, 110), for supporting the media roll (10, 110) in a stabilized manner.

6. A transport package (1, 101) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the releasable securing member (3, 103) is arranged for securing the first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) onto the second end (2b) of the support body (2, 102).

7. A transport package (1, 101) according to claim 6, wherein, during operation, the support body (2, 102) is substantially circumferentially provided over the outer surface of the media roll (10, 110).

8. A transport package (1, 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 7, wherein the support body (2, 102) is substantially flat, and is arranged to deform correspondingly to the outer surface of the media roll (10, 110).

9. A transport package (1, 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 8, wherein the first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) comprises a guide element (107) for guiding the first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) around the media roll (10, 110) before securing it to the support body (2, 102).

10. A transport package (1, 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 9, wherein the support body (2, 102) and the at least one carrying member (4, 4a, 4b, 104) are integrally formed.

11. A transport package (1, 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one carrying member (4, 4a, 4b) is foldably connected to the second end (2b) of the support body (2, 102) along a fold line (5) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the media roll (10, 110) during operation.

12. A transport package (1, 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 11, wherein a further carrying member (4b) is provided at the second end (2b) of the support body (2, 102), and wherein the further carrying member (4b) at the second end (2b) of the support body (2, 102) is shaped correspondingly to the at least one carrying member (4a) at the first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102).

13. A transport package (1, 101) according to any of the claims 4 to 12, wherein the at least one carrying member (4, 4a, 4b, 104) is provided with at least one opening (6) for engaging the carrying member (4, 4a, 4b, 104) by lifting means.

14. Method for forming a media roll assembly (20) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, comprising the steps of:

- transporting a wide format media roll (10, 110) comprising a tubular core (12) around which a print medium (11) is wound and a transport package (1, 101) to one another, which transport package (1, 101) comprises:

• a longitudinal, deformable support body (2, 102);

• a releasable securing member (3, 103) which releasably secures a first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) to an attachment region (3b) of the support body (2, 102), such that the support body (2, 102) forms a substantially closed loop around the media roll (10, 110), and which releasable securing member (3, 103) is arranged for opening the substantially closed loop of the support member (2, 102) for releasing the media roll (10, 110); and

• at least one carrying member (4, 4a, 4b, 104) provided at the first and/or a second end (2a, 2b) of the support body (2, 102) and arranged for engaging lifting means for lifting the media roll assembly (20); and

- applying a packaging material around the wide format media roll (10, 110) and the transport package (1, 101).

15. Method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

- guiding the first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) of the transport package (1, 101) around the media roll (10, 110); and

- securing the first end (2a) of the support body (2, 102) to the attachment region of the support body (2, 102) by means of the releasable securing member (3, 103).

Drawing