Patent ID: 6057936
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: G03G,H04N

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus, comprising:a printer configured to produce and eject a printed sheet;a scanner having a contact plate configured to receive thereon an original document to be scanned, a footprint area of said scanner being greater than that of said printer; anda support structure configured to mount said scanner overtop of said printer such that at least a portion of said scanner overhangs the printer, said support structure including,a pair of support walls disposed on opposite sides of said printer and oriented parallel to a direction that the printed sheet is ejected from said printer, respective of said pair of support walls having a shorter length than said scanner such that a projection portion of said scanner being unsupported by either said printer or said support structure,a sheet ejection side wall disposed between said pair of scanner support walls and having an opening through which said printed sheet is ejected from said printer, said opening being oriented such that said printed sheet being ejected underneath of said projection portion of said scanner, whereinsaid pair of support walls, said sheet ejection side wall, and a volume under said projection portion of said scanner providing an ejection space that receives the printed sheet ejected from said printer, at least a portion of said ejection space being open and unobstructed such that said printed sheet may be retrieved by an operator.