Storage container for inkjet cartridges having removable capping means and a method for storing inkjet cartridges

A set of components for holding a plurality of service modules and a corresponding plurality of inkjet cartridges, each of the service modules having capping means for capping the printhead of a respective one of the inkjet cartridges;

• said set comprising:
• a first service-module housing adapted to be mounted within an inkjet printer and accessed by the inkjet cartridges when mounted on a carriage of the inkjet printer;
• said first service-module housing comprising means, associated with a printer, for positioning the service modules in relation to the first housing;
• and
• a second service-module housing adapted to be mounted in a storage container for storing the inkjet cartridges and the service modules when removed from the inkjet printer;
• wherein said second service-module housing comprises means, associated with the storage container, for positioning the service modules in relation to the second housing;
• the storage-associated positioning means being substantially in common with said printer-associated positioning means of the first service-module housing;
• wherein said substantially-in-common storage-associated positioning means reduce design and manufacturing costs.

A method of storing one or more inkjet cartridges each having a printhead for ejecting ink, the method comprising the steps of

• removing an inkjet cartridge from an inkjet printer,
• removing a service module, associated with said inkjet cartridge, having a capping means, from the inkjet printer,
• inserting said service module into a storage container and
• inserting said inkjet cartridge into said storage container so that the printhead of the cartridge engages and is held against the capping means of the said service module.