Patent Application
20070065198
Copying small items, such as photographs or receipts, especially when such items do not lay flat, can be very difficult. Many such documents are not standard size and require that the machine lid be lifted open to read the size of the document. To copy them, one must typically hold them in place manually or use tape or the like to hold them in place. When shutting the lid, the items, particularly lightweight paper, tend to move or slip so that the items become misaligned and are not scanned or copied properly. This is especially difficult when one is trying to scan or copy multiple items, such as receipts. A slight movement of the lid can cause the papers to move on the platen. As mentioned, one solution is to tape the items in place, either directly to the platen or to a larger sheet of paper for copying. However, this is inefficient and can dirty the platen with adhesive. Thus, there is a need for an arrangement that will hold small items in place while the cover is lowered so that the items stay properly aligned for scanning and/or copying.
Embodiments comprise low profile clips attached along, for example, the top and left edges of the glass. Such clips would allow items to be held in place for copying or scanning. The clips of embodiments are preferably of low enough profile to allow the copier lid to close without removing the clips. Further, embodiments include recessed areas in the lid to accommodate the clips without interfering with the lid closing.
The clips of embodiments can be made out of a durable material and can be made in different sizes to fit the size of the glass of various machines. Additional embodiments allow for generic clips that can be sold as accessories. Further, embodiments can include marks that are normally printed along the edge of the glass printed on the top of the clips to allow proper alignment with the marks when the clips are present.
Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The embodiments shown and described are exemplary and are not limiting.
Embodiments comprise low profile restraint apparatus or clips attached along, for example, the top and left edges of the platen of a reproduction apparatus, such as a scanner or copier. Such clips would allow items to be held in place for copying or scanning. The clips of embodiments are preferably of low enough profile to allow the copier lid to close without removing the clips. Further, embodiments can include recessed areas in the lid to accommodate the clips without interfering with the lid closing.
The clips of embodiments can be made out of a durable material and can be made in different sizes to fit the size of the glass of various machines. Additional embodiments allow for generic clips that can be sold as accessories. Further, embodiments can include marks that are normally printed along the edge of the glass printed on the top of the clips to allow proper alignment with the marks when the clips are present.
Thus, embodiments contemplate a restraint apparatus 10, preferably in the form of a clip, for a reproduction apparatus 1, such as a scanner or copier, that has a top surface 2, a platen 3 on the top surface 2, and a cover 4 selectively placed atop the platen 3. Embodiments include at least one strip 11 sized to fit a respective edge of the platen 3. Each strip 11 has a base portion 12 and a clip portion 13. The clip portion 13 of embodiments extends parallel to the surface of the platen 3 and preferably includes a tongue 14 extending toward and engaging the platen 3 or the top surface 2 of the reproduction apparatus 1. The base portion 12 can also be parallel to the platen surface and affixed to the top surface 2 of the reproduction apparatus 1, as seen in
In use, embodiments contemplate a method 500 of restraining at least one document on a platen of the reproduction apparatus. First, one or more of the restraint apparatus must be in place. The user slides the edge of a document into the clip portion, positions the document, closes the cover, reproduces the document, opens the cover, and removes the document. In embodiments including a tongue on the clip portion, the user slides the edge of the document under the tongue so that the tongue holds the edge of the document against the top surface or the platen, as in a pressfit, for example. In embodiments, two restraint apparatus are provided, one along each of two edges of the platen, and documents can employ both apparatus simultaneously. To achieve the desired restraint, the apparatus is preferably made from a flexible and/or elastomeric compound.
Thus, the method 500 includes providing a restraint apparatus 510, which can comprise providing a base portion 511, providing a clip portion 512, and providing a tongue 513. Providing a restraint apparatus 510 can further include attaching a base portion 514 and arranging the clip portion 515. Attaching a base portion can include recessing the base portion 521 and engaging the platen with the tongue 516. Additionally, providing a restraint apparatus can include accommodating the cover 517, which can include recessing the base portion 521, forming reces(es) in the cover/pad 518, and/or resizing the pad 519. The overall method 500 further comprises sliding an edge of a document into the restraint apparatus 520, closing the cover 530, reproducing the document(s) 540, opening the cover 550, and removing the document(s). Sliding the document 520 can include sliding an edge of the document under the tongue 522.
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.
