U.S. patent application number 12/429679 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for guide assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to XEROX CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Julia Allwright, Richard Thomas Calhoun Bridges, David Neil Petley.
Application Number | 20100270735 12/429679 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991411 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allwright; Julia ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
GUIDE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A guide assembly may include a first latch, a second latch, a
fastening device and a compression device. The first latch may be
coupled to the second latch by the fastening device such that the
first latch and the second latch are moveable about the fastening
device. The first latch may include a plurality of first teeth on
at least a portion of the first latch. The first teeth may be
configured to engage a first track. The second latch may include a
plurality of second teeth on at least a portion of the second
latch. The second teeth may be configured to engage a second
track.
Inventors: |
Allwright; Julia; (London,
GB) ; Petley; David Neil; (Hertfordshire, GB)
; Bridges; Richard Thomas Calhoun; (London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEPPER HAMILTON LLP
500 GRANT STREET, ONE MELLON CENTER, 50TH FLOOR
PITTSBURGH
PA
15219
US
|
Assignee: |
XEROX CORPORATION
Norwalk
CT
|
Family ID: |
42991411 |
Appl. No.: |
12/429679 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2511/20 20130101;
B65H 2405/1116 20130101; B65H 2403/47 20130101; B65H 2511/20
20130101; B65H 2511/10 20130101; B65H 2511/10 20130101; B65H 1/266
20130101; B65H 2220/04 20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/171 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20060101
B65H001/00 |
Claims
1. A guide assembly comprising: a first latch; a second latch; a
fastening device; and a compression device, wherein the first latch
is coupled to the second latch by the fastening device such that
the first latch and the second latch are moveable about the
fastening device, wherein the first latch comprises a plurality of
first teeth on at least a portion of the first latch, wherein the
first teeth are configured to engage a first track, wherein the
second latch comprises a plurality of second teeth on at least a
portion of the second latch, wherein the second teeth are
configured to engage a second track.
2. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is
configured to lock when the first latch engages the first track and
the second latch engages the second track.
3. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein the compression element
comprises a first end coupled to the first latch and a second end
coupled to the second latch.
4. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide assembly is
configured to unlock when the compression element is
compressed.
5. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein the first latch and the
second latch are configured to pivot about the fastening
device.
6. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein a placement of the
fastening device restricts angular movement of the first latch
relative to the second latch.
7. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first
teeth are located on a lower outer portion of the first latch.
8. The guide assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second
teeth are located on a lower outer portion of the second latch.
9. The guide assembly of claim 1, further comprising a restraint
configured to prevent rotation of the first latch when the first
latch is engaged with the first track.
10. The guide assembly of claim 9, wherein the restraint is
configured to: contact at least the portion of the first latch
having the plurality of teeth; and move along at least a portion of
the first track.
11. The guide assembly of claim 1, further comprising a restraint
configured to prevent rotation of the second latch when the second
latch is engaged with the second track.
12. The guide assembly of claim 11, wherein the restraint is
configured to: contact at least the portion of the second latch
having the plurality of teeth; and move along at least a portion of
the second track.
13. A guide assembly comprising: a first latch; a second latch; a
fastening device; and a compression element, wherein the first
latch is configured to interlock with the second latch, wherein the
first latch and the second latch are moveable about the fastening
device, wherein the first latch comprises a plurality of first
teeth on at least a portion of the first latch, wherein the first
teeth are configured to engage a first track, wherein the second
latch comprises a plurality of second teeth on at least a portion
of the second latch, wherein the second teeth are configured to
engage a second track.
14. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein: the first latch
comprises a plurality of notches located on a top portion of the
first latch, the second latch comprises a plurality of protrusions
located on a top portion of an underside of the second latch,
wherein each notch corresponds to at least one protrusion, and each
protrusion is configured to interconnect with a corresponding
notch.
15. The guide assembly of claim 14, wherein a depth of a top
portion of a double latch is substantially equal to a depth of the
top portion of the first latch, wherein the double latch comprises
the first latch interconnected to the second latch.
16. The guide assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of
protrusions are configured to restrict angular movement between the
first latch and the second latch.
17. The guide assembly of claim 14, wherein: the plurality of
notches are evenly spaced about the top portion of the first latch,
and the plurality of protrusions are evenly spaced about the top
portion of the underside of the second latch.
18. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein the guide assembly is
configured to lock when the first latch engages the first track and
the second latch engages the second track.
19. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein the compression element
comprises a first end coupled to the first latch and a second end
coupled to the second latch.
20. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein the guide assembly is
configured to unlock when the compression element is
compressed.
21. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein the first latch and the
second latch are configured to pivot about the fastening
device.
22. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of first
teeth are located on a lower outer portion of the first latch.
23. The guide assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of second
teeth are located on a lower outer portion of the second latch.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/429,639 filed Apr. 24, 2009.
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] Sheet stacking tray assemblies are known in the art and
described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,390 to Clark et al.
Conventional sheet stacking tray assemblies have one or more
adjustable guides. For example, a paper tray in a printer typically
includes a guide that is adjustable to accommodate paper of
different sizes.
[0004] However, guides can be shifted out of position when a sheet
stacking tray assembly is loaded, unloaded and/or the like. For
example, a guide can be shifted out of position when the dynamic
forces of the stack act against the guide as a tray is pushed home
with force.
[0005] When a guide is shifted out of position, the capabilities of
the resource that houses the sheet stacking tray assembly are often
comprised. For example, the resource could be unable to detect the
correct size of the media that has been loaded. In addition, the
media stack could become offset relative to the machine
registration datum, which could affect print quality. In addition,
an offset stack might cause a paper jam. Paper jams, in turn, can
frustrate customers and can reduce the overall feeding quality and
capabilities of the resource.
SUMMARY
[0006] Before the present methods are described, it is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to the particular
systems, methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary.
It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure which will be
limited only by the appended claims.
[0007] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless
defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein
have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art. As used herein, the term "comprising" means
"including, but not limited to."
[0008] In an embodiment, a guide assembly may include a first
latch, a second latch, a fastening device and a compression device.
The first latch may be coupled to the second latch by the fastening
device such that the first latch and the second latch are moveable
about the fastening device. The first latch may include a plurality
of first teeth on at least a portion of the first latch. The first
teeth may be configured to engage a first track. The second latch
may include a plurality of second teeth on at least a portion of
the second latch. The second teeth may be configured to engage a
second track.
[0009] In an embodiment, a guide assembly may include a first
latch, a second latch, a fastening device and a compression
element. The first latch may be configured to interlock with the
second latch. The first latch and the second latch may be moveable
about the fastening device. The first latch may include a plurality
of first teeth on at least a portion of the first latch, and the
first teeth may be configured to engage a first track. The second
latch may include a plurality of second teeth on at least a portion
of the second latch. The second teeth may be configured to engage a
second track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Aspects, features, benefits and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent with regard to the following description
and accompanying drawings, of which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary guide assembly according to
an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism according
to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary first latch according to an
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary second latch according to
an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary interlocking features of a
first latch and second latch according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism according
to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates exemplary placement of indents in a tray
according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates two exemplary tracks according to an
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 4C illustrates a portion of an exemplary ratchet
according to an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary guide assembly positioned
to feed A4 SEF sheets according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary view of a tray when a guide
assembly is engaged according to an embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary guide assembly positioned
to feed Executive SEF sheets according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary view of a tray when a guide
assembly is engaged according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary guide assembly positioned
to feed custom-sized sheets according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary view of a tray when a guide
assembly is engaged according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of an exemplary guide assembly
according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] For purposes of the discussion below, a "sheet" refers to a
physical sheet of paper, plastic and/or other suitable media for
printing images thereon.
[0028] A "resource" refers to a printer, a copier, a multifunction
machine or system, a xerographic machine or system, or any other
type of reproduction or printing apparatus that is capable of
printing images on at least a portion of a sheet.
[0029] A "sheet stack" refers to a plurality of sheets arranged
vertically. In an embodiment, a sheet stacking tray assembly may be
a component of a resource. In an embodiment, the sheet stacking
tray assembly may be mounted in a slide-out paper drawer unit of a
resource. For example, a slidable print tray may comprise a sheet
stacking tray assembly in a printer.
[0030] In an embodiment, a sheet stacking tray assembly may
comprise a tray and one or more guide assemblies. FIG. 1
illustrates an exemplary guide assembly 100 according to an
embodiment. A guide assembly 100 may include a locking mechanism,
such as a double latch 105 and/or the like, as illustrated by FIG.
1. In an embodiment, each guide assembly may be independently
repositioned along the length and/or width of the tray so as to
accommodate different sheet sizes. In an embodiment, a guide
assembly may not be mounted on the tray and may not move with the
tray.
[0031] In an embodiment, a guide assembly 100 may include one or
more connection elements 125 such as projections, recesses and/or
the like. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 1, the guide assembly
100 may have one or more hooks or other similar projections. In an
embodiment, the guide assembly 100 may have one or more indents or
other similar recesses. In an embodiment, the guide assembly 100
may have a combination of projections and recesses. In an
embodiment, one or more of the connection elements 125 may be
integrally formed with the guide assembly.
[0032] In an embodiment, one or more of the connecting elements 125
of the guide assembly 100 may be complementary to one or more of
the connecting elements of the tray. In an embodiment, one or more
of the connecting elements 125 of the guide assembly 100 may
connect to and/or interlock with one or more complementary
connecting elements 125 located on the tray. In an embodiment, one
or more of the connection elements may be integrally formed with
the tray. For example, the guide assembly 100 may include one or
more protrusions that interconnect with one or more recesses
located on the tray. In an embodiment, connecting the guide
assembly to the tray via one or more connecting elements may assist
in restraining movement of the guide assembly relative to the
tray.
[0033] In an embodiment, a double latch 105 may include a first
latch 110 and a second latch 115. FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary
double latch 200. FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary first latch 205.
FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary second latch 210.
[0034] As illustrated by FIG. 2A, the first latch 205 and/or the
second latch 210 may include a plurality of teeth 215, 220. The
teeth may be located on an outer bottom portion of the first latch
205 and/or the second latch 210 according to an embodiment.
[0035] In an embodiment, the first latch 205 may be connected to
the second latch 210 by a snap-fit connection, a press-fit
connection, a screw, a bolt and/or any other suitable fastening
device. In an embodiment, the first latch 205 and the second latch
210 may pivot about the connection and/or fixing. In an embodiment,
the first latch 205 may be integrally formed with the second latch
210.
[0036] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary interlocking features of a
first latch 300 and second latch 320. As illustrated by FIG. 3A, a
first latch 300 may include one or more notches 305, 310, 315. In
an embodiment, each notch may align with and interconnect with a
protrusion 325, 330, 335 on a second latch 320. Although FIG. 3A
depicts three protrusions and three notches, more, fewer, alternate
and/or additional protrusions and/or notches may be used within the
scope of this disclosure.
[0037] As illustrated by FIG. 3A, the notches 305, 310, 315 may be
located on a top portion 340 of the first latch 300 and the
protrusions 325, 330, 335 may be located on a top portion 345 of
the underside 360 of the second latch 320. In an embodiment, the
notches 305, 310, 315 may be evenly spaced about the top portion
340 of the first latch 300. Similarly, the protrusions 325, 330,
335 may be evenly spaced about the top portion of the underside 360
of the second latch 320. For example, as illustrated by FIG. 3A,
the notches 305, 310, 315 may be arranged in a substantially
triangular configuration. Similarly, the protrusions 325, 330, 335
may be arranged in a substantially triangular configuration.
[0038] In an embodiment, this interlocking feature may restrict
angular movement between the first latch 300 and the second latch
320. It may also minimize a location engagement depth between each
latch 300, 320 and a fastening device around which each latch may
pivot. In an embodiment, the location engagement depth may be the
depth of the fastening device. For example, referring to FIG. 3B,
when interlocked, the first latch 300 and the second latch 320 may
form a double latch 350. In an embodiment, the interlocking feature
may allow the depth of a top portion 355 of the double latch to be
approximately the same depth as the top portion 340 of the first
latch 300.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of an exemplary guide assembly
according to an embodiment. As illustrated by FIG. 8, a guide
assembly 800 may include one or more restraints 805. A restraint
805 may be moveably coupled to a tray. For example, as illustrated
by FIG. 8, a restraint 805 may be configured to surround and move
along at least a portion of a track 810. In an embodiment, a
restraint 805 may be fabricated from plastic, metal and/or other
similar materials. A restraint 805 may be integrally formed with
the guide assembly 800. Alternatively, a restraint 805 may be
removeably coupled to the guide assembly 800.
[0040] In an embodiment, a restraint 805 may be positioned in front
of at least a portion of the locking mechanism 815. For example, as
illustrated by FIG. 8, a restraint may be positioned in front of
the first latch 820 and/or the second latch 825 of a double latch.
In an embodiment, a restraint 805 may be positioned so that it is
in contact with at least a portion of the locking mechanism 815.
For example, as illustrated by FIG. 8, a restraint 805 may be in
contact with at least a portion of a latch 820, 825, such as the
outer bottom portion of the latch that includes a plurality of
teeth.
[0041] In an embodiment, a restraint 805 may help limit the
rotation or movement of a locking mechanism 815 relative to a guide
assembly 800 and/or a tray when a force is applied to the tray, the
guide assembly and/or the like. For example, a restraint 805 may
prevent a latch 820, 825 from rotating or otherwise changing
position relative to the guide assembly 800 and/or the tray when
the tray is slammed shut. For example, a restraint may restrain a
latch in the direction shown by the arrow 830 in FIG. 8. It is
understood that a locking mechanism or any portion thereof may be
restrained in additional and/or alternate directions within the
scope of this disclosure.
[0042] In an embodiment, a tray may include one or more tracks. A
track may include one or more indents and/or one or more ratchets.
In an embodiment, a track may include linearly spaced indents
and/or ratchets. In an embodiment, one or more teeth of the first
latch and/or the second latch may engage an indent and/or a
ratchet. A ratchet may include a linear series of teeth or other
similar projections. In an embodiment, a projection of a ratchet
may be spaced a distance away from an adjacent projection. For
example, a projection may be located 1 millimeter away from an
adjacent projection. In an embodiment, a ratchet may be molded into
a tray. A ratchet may be fabricated from plastic, metal and/or any
other suitable material.
[0043] In an embodiment, one or more indents may be located at
certain positions in the tray. In an embodiment, one or more
indents may include one or more beveled edges. A beveled edge may
assist a latch with engagement with an indent.
[0044] In an embodiment, the location of one or more indents may
correspond to standard media width sizes. In an embodiment, a
standard media width size may be a width associated with media that
is commonly used and/or available. For example, ISO 216 specifies
exemplary standard media width sizes, such as A3, A4, A5 and the
like.
[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates a tray having two exemplary tracks 480,
485 according to an embodiment. As illustrated by FIG. 4A, the
location of the indents correspond to standard media width sizes.
For example, a placement of a first indent 400 may correspond to a
width size associated with A5 SEF paper. Similarly, a placement of
a second indent 425 may correspond to a width size associated with
Letter SEF paper.
[0046] In an embodiment, the location of a first set of indents may
correspond to European standard media width sizes, while the
location of a second set of indents may correspond to American
standard media width sizes. For example, referring to FIG. 4A, one
or more indents associated with European standard width sizes, such
as A5 SEF 400, A4 SEF 405 and A3 SEF 410 may be located on a first
track 480 on a first side of the tray, while one or more indents
associated with American standard width sizes, such as Statement
SEF 415, Executive SEF 420, Letter SEF 425 and Tabloid SEF 430, may
be located on a second track 485 on a second side of the tray.
[0047] In an embodiment, one or more ratchets and/or one or more
indents may be located along a track 480, 485. For example, as
illustrated by FIG. 4A, a track 480 may include three indents 400,
405, 410 and four sets of ratchets 435, 440, 445, 450. As another
example, a track 485 may include four indents 415, 420, 425, 430
and five ratchets 455, 460, 465, 470, 475. It is understood that
more, fewer and/or alternate indents and/or ratchets may be used
within the scope of this disclosure.
[0048] In an embodiment, the first latch and/or the second latch of
a guide assembly may be configured to engage the first track and/or
the second track at one or more intervals. In an embodiment, the
intervals may be defined by a distance between adjacent projections
of one or more ratchets, a distance between one or more indents
and/or the like.
[0049] In an embodiment, a first track 480 may be offset from a
second track 485 by a certain distance. For example, as illustrated
by FIG. 4B, a first track 480 may be offset from a second track 485
by approximately 0.5 mm. Additional and/or alternate offset
distances may be used within the scope of this disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 4C illustrates a portion of an exemplary ratchet 435
according to an embodiment. As illustrated by FIG. 4C, a ratchet
435 may include a plurality of projections 490. In an embodiment,
one or more of the projections 490 may have a sloped face 492 and a
hardstop face 494. In an embodiment, one or more of the hardstop
faces 494 may be offset from horizontal by a certain angle. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, a hardstop face 494 may be
offset from the horizontal by approximately five degrees.
[0051] In an embodiment, the offset angle may assist in forcing the
latches of the locking mechanism apart from each other when the
tray experiences a force. In an embodiment, each latch may be
pulled toward its corresponding track when a force is applied to
the tray. As such, the guide assembly may remain engaged with the
tracks even if the tray is moved, or if a force is applied to the
tray and/or the guide assembly, such as a force associated with
slamming the tray.
[0052] In an embodiment, a first latch of a guide assembly may
engage with an indent while a second latch of the guide assembly
may engage with a ratchet. FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary guide
assembly 500 positioned to feed A4 SEF sheets according to an
embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary view of a tray 505 when the
guide assembly 500 from FIG. 5A is engaged.
[0054] As illustrated by FIG. 5A, the first latch 510 is engaged
with an indent 515 associated with A4 SEF sheets. As illustrated by
FIG. 5B, because there is no indent located opposite the indent 515
associated with A4 SEF, the second latch 520 may engage with a
ratchet 525.
[0055] In an embodiment, a first latch of a guide assembly may
engage with a ratchet, while a second latch of the guide assembly
may engage with an indent. FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary guide
assembly 600 positioned to feed Executive SEF sheets according to
an embodiment. FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary view of a tray 605
when the guide assembly 600 from FIG. 6A is engaged.
[0056] As illustrated by FIG. 6A, the second latch 620 is engaged
with an indent 615 associated with Executive SEF sheets. As
illustrated by FIG. 6B, because there is not indent located
opposite the indent 615 associated with Executive SEF, the first
latch 610 may engage with a ratchet 625.
[0057] In an embodiment, both the first latch of a guide assembly
and a second latch of the guide assembly may engage with a ratchet.
This may allow the guide assembly to support custom-sized media
widths rather than only standard American and/or European media
widths. For example, a user may position the guide assembly at a
certain increment across a range of the ratchet. By using the
ratchets, a user may set the guide assembly inside or outside of
standard media sizes. For example, a projection of a ratchet may be
spaced approximately 1 millimeter away from an adjacent projection.
The range associated with the tray may be the difference between
the largest width the tray supports and the smallest width the tray
supports. For example, the largest width media a tray may support
may be 81/2.times.11 LEF having a width of 279.4 mm. The smallest
width media the tray may support may be 81/2.times.51/2SEF having a
width of 139.7 mm. The range associated with this tray may be 139.7
mm (i.e., 279.4 mm-139.7 mm). If the ratchet projections are
located at approximately every 1 millimeter, a user may be able to
position the guide at any 1 mm increment across this range.
[0058] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary guide assembly 700
positioned to feed custom-sized sheets according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary view of a tray 705 when the guide
assembly 700 from FIG. 7A is engaged. As illustrated by FIG. 7A,
the first latch 710 is engaged with a first ratchet 715, while the
second latch 720 is engaged with a second ratchet 725 located
opposite the first ratchet 715.
[0059] In an embodiment, a guide assembly may include a compression
element, such as a spring and/or the like. Referring back to FIG.
1, the compression element 120 may extend from a first latch 110 to
a second latch 115. In an embodiment, the compression element 120
may facilitate locking and/or unlocking of the guide assembly 100.
For example, to unlock the guide assembly 100, the first latch 110
and the second latch 115 may be squeezed together. Pressure applied
to the first latch 110 and the second latch 115 may compress the
compression element 120 which may release the first latch 110 and
the second latch 115 from engagement with an indent and/or a
ratchet.
[0060] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems or
applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims.
* * * * *