Patent ID: 7753356
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: G03G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A locking mechanism for connecting a first input component and a second input component for use with an image forming device, the first input component including a tray sized to receive a stack of media sheets; the locking mechanism comprising: an arm attached to the first input component, the arm movable from a first position to a second position; a contact button attached to the arm, positioned to extend above the tray of the first input component and movable within the first input component in response to the image forming device being placed on top of the first input component; a hook movable between unlocked and locked positions; and a receiver attached to the second input component, and positioned in proximity to the hook when the first input component is stacked onto the second input component; movement of the arm from the first position to the second position responsive to deflection of the contact button causes the hook to move from the unlocked position that is spaced away from the receiver to the locked position that engages the receiver to prevent relative movement between the stacked first and second input components.