Imaging Unit Having a Collapsible Handle
AssigneeLexmark International, Inc.
InventorsJason Paul Hale, Matthew Lee Rogers, Keith Seaman, Katrina Lactuan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An imaging unit of an image forming apparatus is provided including a handle mechanism. The imaging unit includes at least one of a photoconductor unit and a developer unit for developing a toner on the photoconductor unit. The handle mechanism is mounted on a frame portion of the housing and is configured to pivot between a collapsed position and an extended position. When in the collapsed position, the handle mechanism is substantially flush with a surface of the housing to accommodate a toner cartridge. When in the extended position, the handle mechanism automatically returns to the collapsed position by gravity when released from a user's grip.
Claims21
A removable unit of an imaging device, comprising:
- at least one of a photoconductor unit and a developer unit for developing a toner on the photoconductor unit;
- a housing for holding the at least one of the photoconductor unit and the developer unit, wherein the housing includes a frame portion;
- and
- a handle mechanism mounted on the frame portion and configured to pivot between a collapsed position and an extended position, the handle mechanism including,
- a handle member having a gripping segment and a plurality of side segments, each side segment being attached to and extending from the gripping segment and pivotably connecting the handle member to the frame portion;
- and
- a plurality of arms, each arm pivotably engaging with the handle member and slidably mounting to the frame portion;
- wherein in the collapsed position, the handle member, side segments and arms are substantially flush with a surface of the frame portion.
A handle mechanism mounted on a consumable item of an imaging device and configured to pivot between a collapsed position and an extended position, comprising:
- a handle member pivotably connected to a frame portion of the housing;
- and
- at least one arm pivotably engaging with the handle member and slidingly engaged with the frame portion;
- wherein in the collapsed position, the handle mechanism and the at least one arm are substantially flush with a surface of the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.