Imaging device and cover therefor

• US 20040174515A1
• Filed: 03/06/2003
• Published: 09/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Mayer, David W., Votipka, Bruce
• Granted Patent: US 6,806,944 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 355/75
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 27/62 Holders for the original G03B27/53 takes precedence ; for electrophotographic copiers G03G15/60

Abstract

Imaging device and cover therefor. One embodiment of the imaging device comprises a frame assembly and at least one hinge releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The at least one hinge pivotally couples the frame assembly in one location on the imaging device. The at least one hinge is readily removable from the frame assembly and remountable to couple the frame assembly in another location on the imaging device.

Claims

1. A cover for an imaging device, comprising:

a frame assembly; and

at least one hinge releasably mounted to said frame assembly, said at least one hinge pivotally coupling said frame assembly in one location on the imaging device, said at least one hinge readily removable from said frame assembly and remountable to couple said frame assembly in another location on the imaging device.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein said locations are about an imaging surface of the imaging device.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein said hinge expandably couples said frame assembly to the imaging device.

4. The cover of claim 1, wherein said at least one hinge comprises a tab insertable into any of a plurality of slots provided on the imaging device.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein said frame assembly has a bearing fitting on at least two different locations thereof, and said at least one hinge has at least one bearing member receivable within any of said bearing fittings.

6. The cover of claim 1, wherein said at least one hinge comprises a substantially U-shaped portion, said substantially U-shaped portion flexibly engaging said frame assembly.

7. The cover of claim 1, wherein said at least one hinge slidably engages the imaging device.

8. An imaging device, comprising:

an imaging surface;

a cover movable between an open position and a closed position adjacent said imaging surface; and

at least one hinge pivotally connecting said cover in a first location adjacent said imaging surface, said at least one hinge removable for reconnecting said cover in at least a second location adjacent said imaging surface.

9. The imaging device of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of slots provided adjacent said imaging surface, said plurality of slots for receiving said at least one hinge to connect said cover adjacent said imaging surface.

10. The imaging device of claim 9, wherein said at least one hinge slidably engages at least one of said plurality of slots.

11. The imaging device of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of hinges provided at least semi-permanently on said cover, said at least one hinge selected from said plurality of hinges.

12. The imaging device of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of hinges provided at least semi-permanently adjacent said imaging surface, said at least one hinge selected from said plurality of hinges.

13. An imaging device, comprising:

an imaging surface;

a cover for said imaging surface;

at least one hinge having first and second portions, the first portion of said hinge engaging said cover, and the second portion of said hinge slidably engaging a slot adjacent said imaging surface.

14. The imaging device of claim 13, wherein said first and second portions of said at least one hinge comprise first and second pins pivotally mounted to one another, said first pin slidable into a mating chamber formed in said cover and said second pin slidable into a mating chamber formed adjacent said imaging surface.

15. The imaging device of claim 13, wherein said first and second portions of said at least one hinge have mating head portions for pivotally connecting said first portion to said second portion.

16. The imaging device of claim 13, wherein said first portion of said at least one hinge comprises a substantially U-shaped support member having at least one bearing member mounted to each leg of said substantially U-shaped support member.

17. The imaging device of claim 13, wherein said at least one hinge comprises a second portion having a substantially rectangular-shaped tab.

18. The imaging device of claim 13, wherein said at least one hinge comprises a tab having a substantially Y-shaped member sandwiched between opposing plate members.

19. The imaging device of claim 13, wherein said at least one hinge compressibly engages said cover.

20. An imaging device, comprising:

imaging means;

cover means for covering said imaging means; and

hinge means for pivotally coupling said cover means adjacent said imaging means in at least two different locations.

21. The imaging device of claim 20, wherein said hinge means is removably mounted to said cover means.

22. The imaging device of claim 20, further comprising:

hinge-connecting means for releasably connecting said hinge means to said cover means; and

hinge-connecting means for releasably connecting said hinge means to said imaging means.

23. A method for changing the orientation a cover opens and closes on an imaging device, comprising:

removing the cover from the imaging device, the cover opening and closing in one orientation;

disconnecting at least one hinge from one side of the cover;

reconnecting the at least one hinge to another side of the cover; and

replacing the cover on the imaging device to open and close in another orientation.

24. A method for changing the location of a cover on an imaging device, comprising:

sliding a hinge out of a first receiving chamber to remove the cover from a first location on the imaging device; and

sliding the hinge into a second receiving chamber to replace the cover in a second location on the imaging device.