Securing mechanism for an image forming device module

US7349648B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lexmark International, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David Erwin Rennick · Georgetown, US
• Jason Lee Rowe · Richmond, US
• Jeffrey Lawrence Tonges · Versailles, US
• Brian Allen Blair · Richmond, US
• Larry Steven Foster · Lexington, US
• Robert Galon Newman · Lexington, US
• Edward Lynn Triplett · Lexington, US
• Gary Michael Tylicki · Georgetown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 21, 2005
• Grant date: Mar 25, 2008
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03G2221/169
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An image forming device with one or more door assemblies that engage locking mechanisms to secure a module in an operating position. The module may be coupled to one of the one or more door assemblies. A first locking mechanism may secure the module to the image forming device body when a first door assembly is closed. A second locking mechanism may secure the module to the body with a greater securing force than the first locking mechanism to secure the module to the body. The second locking mechanism may be engaged upon closing a second door assembly. Separate biasing members may be used to apply the securing forces. The locking mechanisms may include four-bar or over-center mechanisms to apply the securing forces.