US20080023909A1

US20080023909A1 - Media tray

Info

Publication number: US20080023909A1
Application number: US11/494,959
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory K. Justice; Alexander C. Charney Cohen; Paul C. Coffin; Bruce G. Johnson
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Co
Current assignee: HP Inc; Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2006-07-28
Filing date: 2006-07-28
Publication date: 2008-01-31

Abstract

Various embodiment and methods relating to a media tray are disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND

Media interaction devices may include trays for supporting sheets of media being supplied to the device or discharged from the device. Excessive forces or loads on such trays may cause substantial damage to the trays and to the device itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a media interaction device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the media interaction device of FIG. 1 illustrating separation of trays according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top perspective view of another embodiment of the media interaction device of FIG. 1 according to an example bottoming.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a job separator assembly of the device of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view of a portion of the job separator assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a bracket and tether of the assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a tray of the assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tether of the assembly of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9F are fragmentary perspective views illustrating separation of the tray from a remainder of the media interaction device according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates media interaction system 10 according to one example embodiment. Media interaction device 10 is configured to interact with sheets of media. Media interaction device includes housing 12, media input 14, media transport 16, interaction element 18, finishing elements 22, 24 and 26 and media outputs 32, 34 and 36. Housing 12 comprises one or more structures supporting and at least partially enclosing media transport 16, interaction element 18 and finishing elements 22, 24 and 26. Housing 12 serves as a frame or supporting structure for media input 14 and media outputs 32, 34 and 36. Housing 12 may have a variety of different sizes, shapes and configurations.
Media input 14 comprises an arrangement of components or structures configured to facilitate supplying media interaction device 10 with sheets of media. In the example embodiment illustrated, media input 14 is substantially similar to media outputs 34, 36 and 38. Media input 14 includes edge strip 44, tray 46 and tether 48. Edge strip 44 comprises a platform or ledge projecting from housing 12 proximate to media transport 16. Edge step 44 extends between tray 46 and housing 12 so as to space tray 46 from housing 12. Strip 44 enhances separation of tray 46 from housing 12 to reduce the likelihood of damage to housing 12. In other embodiments, edge strip and 44 may be omitted and tray 46 may be directly connected to housing 12.
Tray 46 comprises one of more structures forming a platform and providing a surface upon which sheets of media to be interacted upon may be placed, stored and loaded into media interaction device 10. Tray 46 is releasably connected to edge strip 44. Tray 46 is configured to separate or break-away from edge strip 44 in response to a load or force upon tray 46 exceeding a predetermined threshold value prior to substantial plastic deformation of tray 46 or of those portions connecting tray 46 to device 10. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “plastic deformation” means a deformation or bending of a structure such that the structure does not resiliently return to its original shape after the force that bent or deformed the structure has ceased. For purposes of this disclosure, with respect to the connection between a tray and a media interaction device or edge strip, a “substantial plastic deformation” is a plastic deformation to an extent such that the tray may no longer be reconnected to the media interaction device or such that even if the tray can be reconnected, the tray may no longer support similar loads of media without separation from the device as before such deformation.
The predetermined threshold value at which tray 46 separates from edge strip 44 and a remainder of media interaction device 10 is chosen such that tray 46 may support acceptable quantities of media to be interacted upon, such as a predetermined weight of a stack of the sheets, and such that tray 46 will separate or breakaway from edge strip 44 and a remainder of device 10 when the load upon tray 46 is so great that damage to tray 46 or damage to the connection between tray 46 and edge strip 44 may otherwise occur. In such a scenario, tray 46 is configured to separate from edge strip 44 (or housing 12 when edge strip 44 is omitted) to preserve tray 46 and the connecting structures. After breaking away, tray 46 may be reconnected to edge strip 44.
In the particular illustrated embodiment in which tray 46 is cantilevered, tray 46 is configured to break away or separate in response to the connection of tray 46 and edge strip 44 experiencing a torque exceeding a predetermined threshold torque. The torque experienced by tray 46 is a product of the downward force imposed upon tray 46 and the distance separating the center of gravity of sheets of media, which may impose at least some of the downward force upon tray 46, from the connection point. The threshold torque is the product of a predetermined threshold force and the distance separating an expected location of the center of gravity of sheets and the connection point. Since most sheets held by the tray will have the same center of gravity regardless of how large the stack of sheets is, separation of tray 46 is largely dependent upon the downward force imposed by the sheets. In certain circumstances, downward forces imposed upon tray 46 may have other sources such as other items shelved upon tray 46 or manual downward forces. In other embodiments in which tray 46 is not cantilevered, tray 46 may be configured to separate in response to experiencing a force exceeding a threshold independent of the location of applied force.
Although tray 46 is schematically illustrated as angled upward above horizontal, in other embodiments, tray 46 may be horizontal. Although tray 46 is schematically illustrated as a generally flat or planar plate, in other embodiments, tray 46 may have upwardly or downwardly extending sidewalls for containing or aligning such sheets of media upon tray 46. In yet other embodiments, tray 46 may alternatively comprise a non-cantilevered storage structure for media to be interacted upon. For example, tray 46 may alternatively comprise a media drawer, bin or the like. In such embodiments where tray 46 is not cantilevered, edge strip 44 may be omitted and tray 46 may alternatively be configured so as to not breakaway or separate from a remainder of media interaction device 10 in response to a load exceeding a threshold.
Tether 48 comprises a flexible member coupled between tray 46 and housing 12. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
Tether 48 suspends tray 46 after tray 46 has separated from media interaction device 10 in substantially all other respects. Tether 48 reduces an extent to which tray 46 falls and may serve to reduce potential damage to tray 46 after such separation. In other embodiments, tether 48 may be connected to edge strip 44 and an exterior of housing 12. In yet other embodiments, tether 48 may be omitted.
Media transport 16 comprises one or more structures or one or more mechanisms configured to engage and transport or move sheets of media from media input 14 relative to interaction element 18, selectively to one of finishing elements 22, 24, 26 and selectively to one of outputs 32, 34 and 36. In one embodiment, media transport 16 includes one or more rollers, belts and the like operably coupled to a motor (not shown) and driven by the motor so as to frictionally engage and move such sheets of media. In other embodiments media transport 16 may have other configurations.
Interaction element 18 comprises one or more devices configured to interact with sheets of media in one or more fashions. In one embodiment, interaction element 18 may comprise one or more inkjet printheads configured to eject ink or other fluid upon media in predetermined patterns or images. In one embodiment, media transport 16 may be configured to redirect printed upon sheets back to interaction element 18 for duplex printing. In another embodiment, interaction element 18 may comprise an electrophotographic printing device configured to apply toner to sheets of media on one or more sides. In yet another embodiment, interaction element 18 may be configured to scan or read data or images from sheets of media. In particular embodiments, interaction element 18 may be configured to perform multiple functions, such as scanning and printing. In some embodiments, interaction element 18 may be omitted, wherein media interaction device 10 interacts with media solely with either finishing elements 22, 24 and 26.
Finishing elements 22, 24 and 26 comprise elements configured to perform additional different interaction operations upon sheets of media. Examples of such additional interaction operations include stapling, folding, collating and the like. In particular embodiments, media transport 16 may be configured to move sheets of media to more than one of finishing elements 22, 24 and 26 before such sheets of media are discharged to one of outputs 32, 34 and 36. In yet other embodiments, media interaction device 10 may omit finishing elements 22, 24 and 26, wherein media outputs 32, 34 and 36 may be used to receive and separate different batches or sets of interacted upon media.
Media outputs 32, 34 and 36 and are configured to receive interacted upon media from device 10 and to present such sheets of media for withdrawal from device 10. Media outputs 32, 34 and 36 separate different batches are sets of media. In the exam illustrated, media outputs 32, 34 and 36 are vertically arranged and cantilevered along an exterior of housing 12. Although the interaction device 10 is illustrated as including three in media outputs, and other environments, media interaction device 10 may include greater or fewer than three media outputs and such media outputs and other arrangements along an exterior of housing 12.
Media outputs 32, 34 and 36 are each substantially identical to one another. Each of media output 32, 34, 36 includes edge strip of 54, tray 56 and tether 58. Edge strip 54 comprises a platform or ledge projecting from housing 12 proximate to media transport 16. Edge strip 54 extends between tray 56 and housing 12 so as to space tray 56 from housing 12. Edge strip 54 enhances separation of tray 56 from housing 12 to reduce likelihood of damage to housing 12. In other embodiments, edge strip 54 may be omitted and tray 56 may be directly connected to housing 12.
Tray 56 comprises one of more structures forming a platform and providing a surface upon which sheets of discharged media may be placed and stored. Tray 56 is releasably connected to edge strip 54. Tray 56 is configured to separate or break-away from edge strip 54 in response to a load or force upon tray 56 exceeding a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value at which tray 56 separates from edge strip 54 and a remainder of media interaction device 10 is chosen such that tray 56 may support acceptable quantities of discharged media, such as a predetermined weight of a stack of sheets and such that tray 56 will separate or breakaway from edge strip 54 when the load upon tray 56 is so great that damage to tray 56 or damage to the connection between tray 56 and edge strip 54 may otherwise occur. In such a scenario, tray 56 is configured to separate from edge strip 54 (or housing 12 when edge strip 54 is omitted) to preserve tray 56 and the connecting structures. After breaking away, tray 56 may be reconnected to edge strip 54.
Although tray 56 is schematically illustrated as angled upward above horizontal, in other embodiments, tray 56 may be horizontal. Although tray 56 is schematically illustrated as a generally flat or planar plate, in other embodiments, tray 56 may have upwardly or downwardly extending sidewalls for containing or aligning such sheets of media upon tray 56.
Tether 58 comprises a flexible member coupled between tray 56 and housing 12. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
Tether 58 suspends tray 56 after tray 56 has separated from media interaction device 10 in substantially all other respects. Tether 58 reduces an extent to which tray 56 falls and may serve to reduce potential damage to tray 56 after such separation. In other embodiments, tether 58 may be connected to edge strip 54 in lieu of housing 12. In yet other embodiments, tether 58 may be omitted.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates operation of media outputs 32, 34 and 36 in response to a load (represented by arrow 66) resulting from a stack 68 of media exceeding a predetermined threshold value. FIG. 2 further illustrates trays 56 of media outputs 34 and 36 also experiencing a load from other stacks of 68 of media. The predetermined threshold value is selected such that tray 56 will separate from its associated edge strip 54 prior to damage to tray 56 or edge strip 54. At the same time, the predetermined threshold value is set such that each tray 56 may accommodate an expected load or force from a stack of discharged media. In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold value is between about 9 pounds and about 48 pounds and nominally between about 12 pounds and 37 pounds. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold may have other values depending upon the materials and configuration of tray 56 and structures connecting tray 56 to edge strip 54 or to housing 12.
As further shown by FIG. 2, in response to a load 66 greater than the predetermined threshold value, tray 56 of media output 32 separates from edge stop and 54 of media output 32. This may result in tray 56 of media output 32 contacting and applying a load to a tray of an underlying media output. As a result, the tray 56 of the underlying media output 34 may separate and apply a load to tray 56 of the underlying media output. This, domino effect may occur for each of media outputs associated with media interaction device 10. In yet other embodiments, trays 56 of different media outputs may be sufficiently spaced such that separation of one tray may not result in separation of adjacent trays.
In the example illustrated, trays 56 are configured to separate from edge strips 54 by pivoting downward under the force of gravity and a load upon such trays as indicated by arrows 70. Upon separation, tethers 58 limit the degree to which trays 56 fall to reduce damage to trays 56. In other embodiments, trays 56 may be permitted to fall in the absence of tethers 58. Although not illustrated, in those embodiments in which media input 14 is similar to media outputs 32, 34 and 36, media input 14 may also separate or breakaway in response to experiencing a load greater than a predetermined threshold.
FIGS. 3-9 illustrate media interaction device 110, another embodiment of media interaction device 10. Media interaction device 110 includes housing 112, media input 14, media transport 16, interaction element 18 and finishing elements 22, 24, 26, and job separator assembly 130 providing media outputs 132, 134, 136 and 138. Housing 112 is similar to housing 12 described above with respect to FIG. 1. Housing 112 supports and at least partially encloses remaining elements of media interaction device 110. Housing 112 further supports job separator assembly 130 along an exterior of housing 112. Media input 14, media transport 16, interaction element 18 and finishing elements 22, 24 and 26 are illustrated and described above with respect to device 10 in FIG. 1.
Job separator assembly 130 comprises an arrangement of components or structures coupled to housing 112 and configured to receive and separate discharged media. In the example illustrated, job separator assembly 130 is removably coupled to housing 112. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate job separator assembly 130 in more detail. As shown by FIGS. 4 and 5, job separator assembly 130 includes brackets 200, an edge strip 204 for each of media outputs 132-138, a tray 206 for each of media outputs 132-138 and a tether 208 for each of media outputs 132-138.
As shown by FIG. 5, each bracket 200 comprises an elongate beam configured to be releasably mounted to housing 112 (shown in FIG. 3) in a vertical orientation. Brackets 200 are mounted to housing 112 on opposite sides of housing 112 by prongs 212. In other embodiments, brackets 200 may be mounted in to housing 112 in other fashions. For example, brackets 200 may be mounted to housing 112 by fasteners, welding, bonding and the like. In some embodiments, brackets 200 may alternatively be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with housing 112. Although brackets 200 are illustrated as separate components, in other embodiments, both brackets 200 may alternatively be joined or formed together prior to being connected to housing 112.
Brackets 200 releasably connect trays 206 to housing 112 and a remainder of device 110. Brackets 200 generally include multiple horizontally aligned mounting portions 214 for each media output 132-138. Each mounting portion 214 includes a mounting cavity 216, tongue 218 and tether portion 219. Mounting cavity 216 comprises an opening extending into the beam structure of bracket 200. Mounting cavity 216 includes upper portion 220, middle portion 222 and lower portion 224. Upper portion 220, federal portion to 22 and lower portion to 24 are each configured to bear against similarly shaped portions of tray 206 when tray 206 is connected to bracket 200. Upper portion 220 facilitates connection of tray 206 to bracket 200 and is generally a downwardly facing angled surface. Upper portion 220 extends at an angle above horizontal to facilitate downward linear insertion of tray 206 into cavity 216. Middle portion 222 extends between upper portion 220 and lower portion 224. In the particular example illustrated, tether 208 extends from middle portion 222. Lower portion 224 facilitates separation of tray 206 from bracket 200 and is generally an upwardly facing arcuate or curved surface. Lower portion 224 facilitates rotation of tray 206 about a substantially horizontal axis in response to a downward force or load upon tray 206. In other embodiments, mounting cavity 216 may have other configurations.
Tongue 218 assists in retaining tray 206 to bracket 200 in the absence of a load upon tray 206 exceeding the threshold. Tongue 218 is shown in more detail in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, tongue 218 extends downwardly from upper portion 220 and extends along an axis generally parallel to the surface of upper portion 220. Tongue 218 has a generally inverted T-shape and includes neck portion 230, head portion 232 and protrusion 234. Neck portion 230 extends from upper portion 220 between upper portion 220 and head portion 232. Head portion 232 extends from neck portion 230 and has an enlarged width so as to form a pair of opposite channels 236. Protrusion 234 comprises a projection extending within each of channels 236. As of the described in more detail hereafter, tongue 218 is received within a corresponding groove of tray 206 and protrusion 234 projects into a corresponding detent or indent of tray 206 to assist in securing and retaining tray 206 to bracket 200.
Tether portion 219 comprises that portion of bracket 200 from which tether 208 extends. In the particular example embodiments illustrated, tether portion 219 comprises a recess configured to receive projections of tether 208 such a tether 208 is snapped to bracket 200. As a result, tether 208 may be separately fabricated and more easily assembled to bracket 200 without tools. In other embodiments, tether portion 219 of bracket 200 may alternatively be configured to facilitate securement of tether 208 to bracket 200 by fasteners, adhesives or welding. In still other embodiments, tether portion 219 may be in integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with tether 208.
Edge strip 204 comprises a platform or ledge configured to be releasably connected to housing 112 so as to project from housing 112 (shown in FIG. 3) proximate to media transport 16. Edge strip 204 extends between tray 206 and housing 112 so as to space tray 206 from housing 112. Edge strip 204 includes an edge 238 configured to mate with with a corresponding leading edge 241 of tray 206 and upper surface 242 which is substantially coplanar with an upper surface 242 of tray 206 to facilitate unobstructed movement of sheets of media across the upper surfaces of both edge strip 204 and tray 206. By separating or spacing edge 241 of tray 206 from housing 112, edge strip 204 enhances separation of tray 206 from housing 112 to reduce likelihood of damage to housing 112.
In the particular example embodiment illustrated, edge strip 204 is releasably connected to housing 112 (shown in FIG. 3) by prongs 240 which are configured to be inserted into corresponding openings (not shown) in housing 112. In other embodiments, edge strip 204 may be releasably connected to housing 112 in other fashions. For example, edge strip 204 may alternatively be connected to housing 112 by fasteners, welds, adhesive bonds in the like. In still other embodiments, edge strip 204 may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with portions of housing 112. In other embodiments, edge strip 204 may be omitted and tray 206 may be directly connected to housing 112.
Tray 206 comprises one of more structures forming a platform and providing a surface upon which discharged sheets of media t are stored and are separated. Each tray 206 is releasably connected to a mounting portion 214 of bracket 200. Each tray 206 is configured to separate or break-away from brackets 200 in response to a load or force upon tray 206 exceeding a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value at which tray 206 separates from brackets 200 and a remainder of media interaction device 10 is chosen such that tray 206 may support acceptable quantities of media to be interacted upon, such as a predetermined weight of a stack of the sheets and such that tray 206 will separate or breakaway from brackets 200 when the load upon tray 206 is so great that damage to tray 206 or damage to the connection between tray 206 and brackets 200 may otherwise occur. In is such a scenario, tray 206 is configured to separate from brackets 200 to preserve tray 206 and the connecting structures.
In the particular illustrated embodiment in which tray 206 is cantilevered, tray 206 is configured to break away or separate in response to the connection of tray 206 to bracket 200 experiencing a torque exceeding a predetermined threshold torque. The torque experienced by tray 206 is a product of the downward force imposed upon tray 206 and the distance separating the center of gravity of sheets of media, which may impose at least some of the downward force upon tray 206, from the connection point. The threshold torque is the product of a predetermined threshold force and the distance separating an expected location of the center of gravity of sheets and the connection point. Since most sheets held by the tray will have the same center of gravity regardless of how large the stack of sheets is, separation of tray 206 is largely dependent upon the downward force imposed by the sheets. In certain circumstances, downward forces imposed upon tray 206 may have other sources such as other items shelved upon tray 206 or manual downward forces. In other embodiments in which tray 206 is not cantilevered, tray 206 may be configured to separate in response to experiencing a force exceeding a threshold independent of the location of applied force.
In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold value is between about 9 pounds and about 48 pounds and nominally between about 12 pounds and 37 pounds spaced from the connection between bracket 200 and tray 206 by about 210 mm. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold may have other values depending upon the materials and configuration of tray 206, the structures connecting tray 206 to edge strip 204 or to housing 112 and the anticipated dimensions of media that will be supported by tray 206. After breaking away, tray 206 may be reconnected to brackets 200.
Although tray 206 is illustrated as angled upward above horizontal, in other embodiments, tray 206 may be horizontal. Although tray 206 is illustrated as a generally flat or planar plate, in other embodiments, tray 206 may have upwardly or downwardly extending sidewalls for strengthening tray 206 or for containing or aligning such sheets of media upon tray 206.
FIG. 7 illustrates a first side of a tray 206 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 5, tray 206 has a second substantially identical side. As shown by FIG. 7, tray 206 includes platform 250 and mounting portions 254. Platform 250 comprises that portion of tray 206 configured to support sheets of media. Platform 250 includes leading edge 241 and upper surface 242. As noted above, leading edge 241 mates with edge 238 of edge strip 204 once tray 206 is connected to bracket 200. Upper surface 242 is substantially coplanar with upper surface 239 of edge strip 204. Upper surface 242 supports sheets of media.
Mounting portions 254 extend on opposite sides of platform 250 and are configured to releasably mount to mounting portions 214 of brackets 200. Each mounting portion 254 generally includes mounting projection 256, groove 258 and tether portion 259. Mounting projection 256 comprises a structure configured to be received within mounting cavity 216 of bracket 200. In the example illustrated, mounting projection 256 is configured to mate with corresponding opposite surfaces of mounting cavity 216 when tray 206 is connected to bracket 200. Mounting projection 256 includes upper portion 260, middle portion 262 and lower portion 264. Upper portion 260 comprises upwardly facing angled surface configured to abut upper portion 220 of mounting cavity 216 (shown in FIG. 6). Upper portion 260 cooperates with upper portion 220 to during linear insertion of mounting projection 256 into mounting cavity 216. Middle portion 262 comprises a substantially linear surface extending between upper portion 260 and lower portion 264. Middle portion 262 is configured to abut and substantially mate with middle portion 222 of mounting cavity 216. Lower portion 264 comprises a substantially arcuate or curved downwardly facing surface configured to abut lower portion 224 of mounting cavity 216. Lower portion 264 cooperates with upper portion 224 to facilitate rotation of tray 206 about a substantially horizontal axis in response to loads upon tray 206 exceeding a threshold.
Groove 258 comprises an elongate channel configured to slidably receive tongue 218 (shown in FIG. 5). Groove 258 slides along tongue 218 to guide insertion of mounting projection 256 into mounting cavity 216. Groove 258 further assists in retaining and securing tray 206 to bracket 200. Groove 258 is partially formed by two opposing beams 270 which are cored out to have internal cavities 272. Internal cavities 272 facilitate molding of beams 270 while at least partially maintaining a desired rigidity or strength of beams 270. In other embodiments, beams 270 may omit such coring.
Beams 270 serve as clips to clamp about tongue 218 to assist in retaining tray 206 to brackets 200. At the same time, beams 270 are configured to spread apart and flex in response to a predetermined threshold load upon tray 206, permitting tongue 218 to be withdrawn from between beams 270. Beams 270 cooperate with one another to form head receiving portion 274, captured portions 276 and indents 278. Head receiving portion 274 is an elongate channel configured to slidably receive head portion 232 of tongue 218. Captured portions 276 comprise elongate bars configured to slide along and within grooves 236 of tongue 218. Captured portions 276 bear against head portion 232 to retain tray 206 to bracket 200. Captured portions 276 spread apart to permit head portion 232 to pass therebetween during separation of tray 206. Indents 278 comprise detents configured to receive protrusions 234 of tongue 218 (shown in FIG. 6).
Tether portion 259 comprises that portion of mounting projection 256 from which tether 208 extends. Tether portion 259 includes cavity 284 and recess 286. Cavity 284 comprises an opening above recess 286 configured to receive and store a length of tether 208 while mounting projection 256 is received within mounting cavity 216 and while tray 206 is mounted to bracket 200. Recess 286 comprises an opening having a reduced mouth configured to receive a portion of tether 208 to facilitate snapping of tether 208 to mounting projection 256. In other embodiments, recess 286 may be omitted where tether 208 is secured to tray 206 in other fashions such as with fasteners, adhesives or welds or where tether 208 is integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with mounting projection 256 of tray 206. In still other embodiments, mounting projection 256 may omit tether portion 259 where tether 208 extends from another portion of tray 206.
As shown by FIG. 5, tether 208 extends between bracket 200 and tray 206. Tether 208 suspends tray 206 after tray 206 has separated from bracket 200 in substantially all other respects. Tether 208 reduces an extent to which tray 206 falls and may serve to reduce potential damage to tray 206 after such separation. In other embodiments, tether 208 may be omitted.
As shown by FIG. 8, tether 208 includes bracket connecting portion 290, tray connecting portion 292 and flexible intermediate length 294. Bracket connecting portion 290 comprises a pair of resiliently flexible prongs configured to resiliently flex during insertion of portion 290 into tether portion 219 of bracket 200 and to snap connecting portion 290 to bracket 200. Tray connecting portion 292 also comprises a pair of resiliently flexible prongs or hooks configured to inwardly flex during insertion of connection portion 292 into recess 286 and to return to their original shape so as to snap and secure tether 208 to mounting projection 256 of tray 206. Intermedia length 254 is formed from a sufficiently flexible material to permit tray 206 to fall and separate from bracket 200 while suspending tray 206 from bracket 200 upon separation of tray 206. In the embodiment illustrated, tether 208 is integrally formed as a single unitary body. In other embodiments, tether 208 before for multiple structures joined to one another. Although tether 208 is configured to be releasably connected to bracket 200 and to be releasably connected to tray 206 without tools, in other embodiments, tether 208 may be fastened, welded or joined to one or both of bracket 200 and tray 206 or maybe integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with one or both of bracket 200 and tray 206.
FIG. 5 illustrates connection of tray 206 to bracket 200. Initially, portion 290 of tether 208 is secured to portion 219 of bracket 200. Portion 292 of tether 208 is secured to portion 259 of tray 206. Tray 206 is oriented and located so as to position mounting projections 256 opposite to corresponding mounting cavities 216 of bracket 200. Tray 206 is linearly moved in the direction indicated by arrow 300 to insert mounting projection 256 into mounting cavity 216. During such insertion, upper portion 260 is slid along upper portion 220. Portions 276 slide within channels 236 until encountering protrusions 234. Beams 270 flex apart until protrusions 234 are received within indents 278. Protrusions 234 and indents 278 reduce the likelihood of tray 206 walking off of bracket as tray 206 is repeatedly loaded and unloaded. In addition, the snapping of protrusions 234 into indents 278 provide a person with feedback when reassembling tray 206 to bracket 200 to indicate when tray 206 has been properly reassembled to bracket 200. In a particular example illustrated, protrusions 234 are located along tongue 218 so as to contact and snap into indents 278 at a location where little or no other forces are being communicated between tray 206 and bracket 200 due to a small dead zone created by slight twisting of beams 270. In other embodiments, protrusions 234 and indents 278 may be at other locations or may be omitted.
FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate separation of tray 206 from bracket 200 and device 110 (shown in FIG. 3) in response to a load upon tray 206 exceeding a predetermined threshold. As shown by FIGS. 9A-9C, beams 270 flex in response to a threshold exceeding load so as to spread apart and release head in 232 of tongue 218. As beams 270 flex, mounting projection 256 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis 304, permitting tray 206 to pull away from or break away from bracket 200 and edge strip 204 (shown in FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 9D-9F, continued rotation of tray 206 about axis 304 results in complete release of tongue 218. Tray 206 continues rotating to eventually fall away from bracket 200. Tether 208 remains secured between bracket 200 and tray 206 to limit the extent to which tray 206 falls to reduce potential damage to tray 206. Because tray 206 separates from bracket 200 in response to a load exceeding a predetermined threshold, substantial damage to tray 206 or bracket 200 is reduced, extending the life of tray 206 and bracket 200.
According to one example embodiment, each beam 270 has a length of about 23 mm and a height of about 8 mm. Mounting projection 256 has a width of about 24 mm. Tray 206 At least mounting projections 256 of tray 206 are integrally formed as a single unitary body out of a polymeric material such as Cycoloy C1110HF commercially available from GE Plastics. In a particular example illustrated, such material has a tensile modulus of 2.482 GPa and a flexural strength of 86.9 MPa. In the example embodiment, beams 270 are configured to deflect or flex approximately 1 mm during release of tongue 218. In other embodiments, tray 206 and bracket 200 may have other dimensions and may be formed from other materials.
Although bracket 200 is illustrated as including mounting cavity 216 while tray 206 includes mounting projection 256, in other embodiments, this relationship may be reversed. Although bracket 200 is illustrated as including tongue 218 while tray is illustrated as including groove 258, in other embodiments, this relationship may also be reversed. Although bracket 200 is illustrated as including four mounting portions 214, in other embodiments, bracket 200 may alternatively include greater or less than four mounting portions 214.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a first media tray configured to be releasably connected to a media interaction device at a first connection point, wherein the first tray is configured to separate from the device at the first connection point in response to a downward force on the first tray exceeding a first threshold and prior to substantial plastic deformation of the tray or the media interaction device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a flexible tether extending from the tray and configured to be connected to the device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an edge step configured to extend between and space the tray from the device when the tray is connected to the device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the media interaction device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second media tray configured to be releasably connected to a media interaction device, wherein the second tray is configured to separate from the device in response to a force on the second tray exceeding a second threshold.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray is configured to be connected to the media interaction device with an applied connection force and wherein the threshold force is less than the applied connection force.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray is configured to be connected to the media interaction device by being translated along a first axis towards the media interaction device and to separate from the media interaction device by rotating about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first axis is inclined above horizontal.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first threshold is a force within a range of between about 9 and about 48 pounds.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a bracket configured to be coupled to the media interaction device, the bracket including one of a tongue and a grooved structure, wherein the tray includes the other of a tongue and a grooved structure, the grooved structure receiving the tongue to connect the tray to the bracket.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the tongue and the grooved structure includes a protrusion and the other of the tongue and the grooved structure includes a corresponding indent, wherein the protrusion is configured to flex during insertion of the tongue into the grooved structure and to snap into the intent upon insertion of the tongue by a predetermined extent into the grooved structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the grooved structure includes beams on opposite sides of a groove, the beams being cored out.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a bracket configured to be coupled to the media interaction device, the bracket having one of a mounting recess and a mounting projection, wherein the tray has the other of a mounting recess and a mounting projection, wherein the mounting projection is received within the mounting recess, wherein the mounting projection includes an angled upward facing surface and a downward and facing curved surface and wherein the mounting recess includes a downward facing angled surface and an upward facing curved surface.

14. A method comprising:

connecting a tray to a media interaction device; and

separating the tray from the media interaction device at a connection point using downward force from a load on the tray that exceeds a threshold prior to substantial plastic deformation of the tray or the media interaction device.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising tethering the tray from the media interaction device after the tray is separated from the media interaction device.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising spacing a leading edge of the tray from the media interaction device by an edge strip.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting the tray to the media interaction device includes linearly moving the tray towards the media interaction device along an axis and wherein separating the tray from the media interaction device includes pivoting the tray about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the tray is connected to the media interaction device using a first connection force less than the force from the load on the tray that results in the tray being separated from the media interaction device.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein separating the tray from the media interaction device is at a threshold of between about 9 pounds and about 48 pounds.

20. An apparatus comprising:

means for supporting sheets of media relative to a media interaction device; and

means for connecting the means for supporting to the media interaction device at a connection point and for separating the means for supporting from the media interaction device at the connection point in response to a downward load on the means for supporting exceeding a threshold prior to substantial plastic deformation of the means for connecting.