Method and apparatus for image forming capable of effectively supporting a recording medium

A sheet feeding unit, comprising:

• first means for supporting a first area of a recording medium in a range from a leading edge of the recording medium to a first portion extending to an opposite direction to a sheet feeding direction of the recording medium;
• second means for supporting a second area of the recording medium in a range from an upstream portion of the first area of the recording medium to a second portion toward a trailing edge of the recording medium;
• and
• third means for supporting a third area of the recording medium in a range from an upstream portion of the second area of the recording medium to a third position after the second portion and toward the trailing edge of the recording medium.

A method of feeding of supporting a recording medium, comprising:

• supporting a first area of a recording medium in a range from a leading edge of the recording medium to a first portion extending to an opposite direction to a sheet feeding direction of the recording medium;
• supporting a second area of the recording medium in a range from an upstream portion of the first area of the recording medium to a second portion toward a trailing edge of the recording medium;
• and
• supporting a third area of the recording medium in a range from an upstream portion of the second area of the recording medium to a third position after the second portion and toward the trailing edge of the recording medium.