Automatic document feeder for a flat bed input device and background plate for use with same

A background plate for use with a document feeder and a scanning device, the document feeder including a chassis and the scanning device including a substantially transparent document support, the background plate comprising:

• a plate member;
• a plurality of support members extending downwardly from the plate member and adapted to support the place member on the scanning device in spaced relation to the substantially transparent document support;
• and
• an attachment system, including a plurality of latch elements, adapted to secure the background plate to the document feeder chassis in such a manner that the background plate can move relative to the chassis.

A background plate for use with a document feeder including a chassis, comprising:

• a plate member;
• an attachment system adapted to secure the background plate to the document feeder chassis;
• and
• anti-static means for preventing static buildup on the plate member.

A background plate for use with a document feeder including a chassis, comprising:

• a plate member;
• an attachment system adapted to secure the background plate to the document feeder chassis;
• and
• a grounding post secured to the plate member to prevent static buildup on the plate member.

An automatic document feeder for use with a scanning device including a substantially transparent document support, the automatic document feeder comprising:

• a chassis adapted to be secured relative to the scanning device;
• a plate member secured to the chassis defining a surface area sufficient to cover substantially all of the substantially transparent document support;
• and
• a plurality of support members mounted on and extending downwardly from the plate member and adapted to support the plate member on the scanning device in spaced relation to the substantially transparent document support.

An automatic document feeder that feeds documents in a feed direction for use with a scanning device including a substantially transparent document support, the automatic document feeder comprising:

• a chassis adapted to be secured relative to the scanning device;
• a plate member secured to the chassis, the plate member defining a rearward portion and a forward portion in the feed direction;
• and
• a plurality of support members extending downwardly from the plate member and adapted to support the plate member on the scanning device in spaced relation to the substantially transparent document support, the support members supporting the plate member such that the rearward portion of the plate member is separated form the substantially transparent document support by a first distance, the forward portion of the plate member is separated from the substantially transparent document support by a second distance, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

An automatic document feeder for use with a scanning device including a substantially transparent document support, the automatic document feeder comprising:

• a chassis adapted to be secured relative to the scanning device;
• a plate member secured to the chassis;
• and
• a plurality of support members extending downwardly from the plate member and adapted to support the plate member on the scanning device in spaced relation to the substantially transparent document support;
• and
• an attachment system, including a plurality of latch elements, adapted to secure the plate member to the chassis in such a manner that the member plate can move relative to the chassis.