Abstract:
A peripheral, such as a printer, includes a peripheral body, a first tray arcuately moveable about the body, and a second tray arcuately moveable about the body allowing for various media feed path arrangements between the first and second trays.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC. 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices having media feed mechanisms and more particularly to a media feed mechanism having adjustable trays allowing for different media feedpath configurations depending upon a user&#39;s desired feedpath layout. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Inkjet printers and all-in-one devices, which are commonly known, generally utilize a media input tray and a media output tray defining start and end points, respectively of a media feedpath. The devices usually come in either of two configurations. In one configuration the media feedpath is generally U-shaped or C-shaped with a media input tray above or below the media output tray. The U-shaped device generally positions the input media tray and output media tray at the front of the device. Alternatively, an L-shaped paper path may be utilized wherein an input tray may be located at the rear of a printer and is generally upwardly directed while the media output or exit tray extends horizontally from the front of the device, thereby defining the L-shaped feedpath. The feedpath configurations are generally fixed because the trays may not be moved. 
     One problem with existing print devices and media feeding peripheral is that they utilize critical workspace on a user&#39;s desk or office furniture. Due to workspace limitations, it would be desirable to allow users to orient or configure the media trays in such a way that minimizes use of desktop space and best fits the constraints of their work area. Such adjustability of configuration would allow the user to place the printer or all-in-one device into their workspace with greater ease providing greater freedom and flexibility in print device usage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A peripheral device comprises a body, a first tray connected to the body, a second tray connected to the body, the first tray defining a first portion of a feedpath and the second tray defining a second portion of the feedpath, at least one of the first tray and the second tray pivotable about the printer body. Each of the first tray and the second tray are pivotable about the printer body. One of the first tray and the second tray is pivotable through an arc of about 200 degrees and the other of the first and second tray is pivotable through an arc of about 100 degrees. The peripheral further comprises a media feed mechanism in at least one of the first tray and the second tray. The peripheral further comprises a media feed mechanism in each of the first tray and the second tray. 
     A peripheral comprises a peripheral body, a first tray arcuately moveable about the body, and a second tray arcuately moveable about the printer body. The peripheral further comprises the body being substantially cylindrical. The peripheral further comprises the body having a display. The peripheral further comprises the first and second tray being configurable into a U-shaped feedpath. The first and second trays are configurable into a L-shaped feedpath. Alternatively, the first tray and the second tray are configurable into a straight-through feedpath. The first and second trays are configurable into various positions spaced about the body. 
     A peripheral comprises a body, a first tray movable about the body through a first path, and, a second tray movable about the body through a second path. The first and second trays are arrangeable in a vertical U-shaped feedpath configuration. The peripheral first and second trays are arrangeable in a horizontal U-shaped feedpath configuration. The peripheral first and second trays are arrangeable in a straight-through feedpath. The peripheral first and second trays are moveable to an L-shaped configuration. The peripheral first and second trays are moveable to an acute angled feedpath arrangement. The peripheral first and second trays are moveable to an obtuse angled feedpath arrangement. At least one of the first tray and the second tray includes a feeding mechanism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a printer having adjustable input and output trays; 
         FIG. 2  is a cut-away perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the first tray, the second tray and the assembly components allowing movement of the trays; 
         FIG. 4  is perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays arranged in a vertical U-shaped configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays arranged in a horizontal U-shaped configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays arranged in a straight-through configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays arranged in an L-shaped configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays arranged in an acute feeding angle; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays arranged in an obtuse feeding angle; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 14 ; and, 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of the printer of  FIG. 1  with the trays moved to various positions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description and drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice it. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the steps of the method, the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. For example, other embodiments may incorporate structural, chronological, electrical, process, and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiment may be included in or substituted for those of others. The scope of the invention encompasses the appended claims and all available equivalents. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention include both hardware and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic based aspects of the invention may be implemented in software. As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software-based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible. 
     The term image as used herein encompasses any printed or digital form of text, graphic, or combination thereof. The term output as used herein encompasses output from any printing device such as color and black-and-white copiers, color and black-and-white printers, and so-called “all-in-one devices” that incorporate two or more functions such as scanning, copying, printing, and faxing capabilities in one device. Such printing devices may utilize ink jet, dot matrix, dye sublimation, laser, and any other suitable print formats. The term button as used herein means any component, whether a physical component or graphic user interface icon, that is engaged to initiate output. The term media and paper may be used interchangeably herein and may include plain paper, photo paper, card stock, transparency, Mylar, fabric, or other printable materials. 
     The present invention provides a media feed assembly with adjustable input and output trays. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a peripheral, in this illustrative embodiment a print device  10  is depicted. Although a print device is shown and described, it is well within the scope of the present invention that a scanner or other peripheral may be substituted for the printer which utilizes a media feeding assembly. However, for simplicity a printer will be described. The printer  10  comprises a body  12  which is generally cylindrical in shape, with a circular cross-section, although such shape should not be considered limiting and others may be utilized. For example, an alternative body may comprise a polygonal cross-section such as a hexagon or an octagon providing multiple locations for positioning trays  30 ,  40 . At one position on the body  12  is a control panel  14  which may comprise a display  16  as well as plurality of control buttons  18 . Disposed on the bottom of the body  12  is at least one base  20  which stabilizes the body  12  and is desirable due to the exemplary cylindrical shape of the body  12  which might otherwise roll. 
     The body  12  further comprises a first end  22  and a second end  24  and the control panel  14  is depicted near one of the first end  22  and second end  24 . The first and second ends  22 ,  24  capture a first tray  30  and a second tray  40 . For purpose of the illustrative description, the first tray  30  may be considered a media input tray and the second tray  40  may be considered a media output tray. However, the first tray and the second tray  30 ,  40  may alternatively be an output tray or an input tray, respectively. The first tray  30  is generally rectangular with an open-end  32  wherein media may be positioned for feeding through the body  12 . The tray  30  comprises a first surface  34  and a second surface  36  which are spaced apart by sidewalls  37 ,  38  in order to define the opening  32 . The opening  32  comprises a preselected dimension for receiving a media stack so that a user does not have to load a media sheet separately each time a sheet is printed by the printer  10 , as will be understood by one skilled in the art. 
     Likewise, the second tray  40  comprises an opening  42  defined by the spaced apart distance between a first surface  44  and a second surface  46  and sidewalls therebetween. The opening  42  may receive a stack of media of a preselected thickness as the media sheets are printed upon. Although, the trays  30 ,  40  are shown with a particular construct, other designs may be utilized and therefore are within the scope of the present invention. The trays  30 ,  40  should merely be connectable to the body  12  in a moveable fashion as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the body  12  is depicted with a cutaway portion revealing the interior. Within the body  12 , adjacent the control panel  14  is a controller (not shown) which may be embodied by a microprocessor. The controller may be in data communication with a host computer. The controller also directs a print assembly  90  to move and selectively eject ink droplets on the media moving from the first tray  30  to the second tray  40  and through the body  12 . The controller also controls feed mechanisms within the first tray  30  and second tray  40  as well as receives inputs from the buttons  18 . Likewise, the controller provides output to the display  16  to notify users of messages, menus, error conditions and the like. 
     The controller also directs the print assembly  90  comprising a carriage  92  which is slideably connected to a slide rail  96 . The slide rail  96  extends from the first end  22  to the second end  24  of body  12  and may be supported by a chassis (not shown) within the body  12 . The carriage  92  moves along the slide rail  96  in a direction which is substantially transverse to a media feedpath extending from the first tray  30  through the body  12  to the second tray  40 . The carriage  92  houses at least one cartridge  94  containing ink and a print head for selectively ejecting ink onto media passing in the print zone which is defined beneath the carriage  94  and within the body  12 . According to the exemplary embodiment the carriage  92  houses two cartridges one for color printing, containing for example, cyan, magenta and yellow color inks as well as a second cartridge which may contain black ink for printing text gray-scale and non-color documents. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, and as previously described, a scanner function may be substituted for the print assembly  90 . In such an embodiment, a scan bar may be positioned within the housing or body  12  so that images may be scanned as the media passes through the body  12  along the feedpath  21 . A stationary scan bar may be utilized within body  12  or a movable scan bar may be utilized alone or with the print assembly  90  to provide both printing and scanning function. In such embodiment, the trays  30 ,  40  would define start and end points of the target document feedpath. For example, a scan bar is generally either an optical reduction type using a combination of lens, mirror and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) array or CIS (Contact Image Sensors) array. The CCD array is a collection of tiny, light-sensitive diodes, which convert photons into electrons. These diodes are called photosites—the brighter the light that hits a single photosite, the greater the electrical charge that will accumulate at that site. The image of the document that is scanned using a light source such as a fluorescent bulb reaches the CCD array through a series of mirrors, filters and lenses. The exact configuration of these components will depend on the model of scanner. Some optical reduction scanners use a three pass scanning method. Each pass uses a different color filter (red, green or blue) between the lens and CCD array. After the three passes are completed, the scanner software assembles the three filtered images into a single full-color image. Most optical reduction scanners use the single pass method. The lens splits the image into three smaller versions of the original. Each smaller version passes through a color filter (either red, green or blue) onto a discrete section of the CCD array. The scanner software combines the data from the three parts of the CCD array into a single full-color image. 
     Alternatively, for less expensive flatbed scanners and those with size limitations, contact image sensors (CIS) are used in the scan bar (not shown). CIS arrays replaces the CCD array, mirrors, filters, lamp and lens with an array of red, green and blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a corresponding array of phototransistors. The image sensor array consisting of 600, 1200, 2400 or 4800 LEDs and phototransistors per inch (depending on resolution) spans the width of the scan area and is placed very close to the glass plate upon which rest the image to be scanned. Another version of the CIS used a single set of red, green and blue LEDs in combination with light pipes to provide illumination of the material to be scanned. When the image is scanned, the LEDs combine to provide a white light source. The illuminated image is then captured by the row of sensors. CIS scanners are cheaper, lighter and thinner, but may not provide the same level of quality and resolution found in most optical reduction scanners. Color scanning is done by illuminating each color type of LED separately and then combining the three scans. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first tray and the second tray are positioned in a substantially L-shaped configuration and therefore define an L-shaped feedpath  21  for printing. The first tray  30  and the second tray  40  are each moveable through various positions in order to vary the feedpath  21  configuration between for example an L-shaped path, a U-shaped path, a straight-through feedpath, an acute angled feedpath or an obtuse angled feedpath. In order to accomplish such goal of moving the first and second tray  30 ,  40 , the body  12  acts as a pivot axis for another structure utilized to allow the first tray  30  and the second tray  40  to rotate. The body  12  has a circular cross-section but other cross-sectional shapes may be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  an exploded view of the first tray  30 , and the second tray  40  and the assembly components is shown is perspective view. As previously described, the body  12  is cylindrical in shape, thus having a circular cross-section. The second tray  40  is held in position by pivot arms  50 ,  52  each having a collar portion  54  and an arm portion  56  extending from the collar  54 . The collar  54  has a complimentary circular cross-section and is sized to receive a hub  60  which is connected to the body  12  or chassis therein. Alternatively, the collar  54  may vary in shape depending, in part, on the cross-sectional shape of body  12  but may have a circular opening located therein. The exemplary hub  60  is circular and sized to fit within the opening of the collar  54 . The hub  60  remains stationary so that the pivot arms  50 ,  52  may rotate about each hub  60  disposed within the collar  54 . According to the exemplary embodiment, each hub  60  has a width which provides spacing for an inner pivot arm  62 ,  64  and an outer pivot arm  50 ,  52 . 
     The tray hub  60  extends through or is received by an opening in the collar  54 . Thus each tray hub  60  provides a bearing surface about which the pivot arms  50 ,  52  and  62 ,  64  may rotate Additionally, the tray hubs  60  and collars  54 ,  66  have openings through which the slide rail  96  and print assembly  90  may extend. 
     The assembly further comprises inwardly offset pivot arms  62 ,  64 . The pivot arms  62 ,  64  each also comprise a collar portion  66  for receiving the hubs  60  as well as arm portions  68  extending from the collar portions  66 . As one skilled in the art will understand, the innermost pivot arms  62 , 64  are offset from the outermost pivot arms  50 , 52 . Accordingly, the complimentary slides  38  of the tray  30  are inset further than the slides  48  of the tray  40 . The slides  38  and  48  are spaced apart to inhibit interference with the media feeding therethrough. For example, the trays  30  and  40  may be dimensioned to compensate for the maximum width needed for preselected media sizes. Further, it is well within the scope of the present invention that the inner pivot arms  62 ,  64  and outer pivot arms  50 ,  52  may be reversed to retain the opposite trays  40 , 30  respectively so long as the trays  30 , 40  are formed complimentarily to compensate for such offset of the pivot arms. 
     The pivot arms  50 ,  52 ,  62 ,  64  are movable such that one of the trays  30 , 40  is pivotable through an arc of about 200 degrees while the other of the trays  30 , 40  is pivotable through an arc of about 100 degrees. The tray hub  60  and pivot arms  50 ,  52 ,  62 ,  64  may have a frictional engagement such that the trays  30 ,  40  cannot move without user applied force. Alternatively, the hub  60  and pivot arms  50 ,  52 ,  62 ,  64  may utilize a plurality of teeth, detents, tabs, protrusions or other complimentary engagement or clutch features to retain the trays  30 ,  40  in the positions to which they are moved by the user. 
     In the exemplary embodiment outer pivot arms  50 ,  52  are connected to the output tray  40  and the inner pivot arms  62 ,  64  are connected to the input tray  30 . Extending from the collar  52 , the arm portion  58  of each pivot arm  52 ,  54  has some pre-selected shape. In the exemplary embodiment the arm portions  56  are generally C-shaped having a channel  58  to receive a complimentary slide portion  48  of the trays  40 . In the exemplary embodiment, the slide  48  is received within the channel portion  58  so that fasteners  59  may be disposed through the arm portion  58  and into the tray  40 . Likewise, the inner pivot arms  62 ,  64  comprise arms  68  which receive slides  38  of the input tray  30 . Although a C-shaped arm structure is depicted in the exemplary embodiment, such design configuration should not be considered limiting as various other complimentary shapes may be utilized. Further, alternative mounting designs are well within the scope of the present embodiment so that the trays  30 ,  40  are movable about the body  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a flexible skirt  80  is depicted extending from the first tray  30  to the second tray  40 . One skilled in the art will realize that in order for media to move through the body  12  at the various positions of the trays  30 ,  40 , the body  12  must generally be open around the outer circumference to receive media from the various positions where the trays  30 ,  40  may be moved. With the body  12  generally open, some cover needs to be positioned between the first tray  30  and the second tray  40  so that the internal components within the body  12  are not exposed in the positions where the trays  30 ,  40  are not located. Also, such cover may be positioned on opposite sides of the trays  30 ,  40  and extend about the body  12  to generally at or near the base  20 . According to the present embodiment, the skirt  80  may be structured similarly to an accordion-like material which stretches as the trays  30 ,  40  move apart and relaxes as the trays  30 , 40  move together. The skirt  80  may be formed of plastic, structured fabric material or other forms which are common in manufacturing. The skirt  80  should also have enough rigidity that it is not easily breakable or forced inwardly by a user which could damage components of the print assembly  90 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , an alternative embodiment may comprise a plurality of blades or slats  180  which are telescoping about the arc shape of the body  12 . The blades  180  therefore compensate for movement of the trays  30 , 40  around the body  12  by extending or retracting. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the printer  10  is shown in a perspective view and a side view. The first tray  30  and the second tray  40  are depicted defining a vertically oriented U-shaped feedpath  21 . According to the embodiment depicted the first tray  30  and the second tray  40  are rotated about the body  12 , each to a substantially vertical position. The trays  30  and  40  are slightly spaced apart due to the design of the arm portions. In the embodiment depicted, the arms  58 ,  68  are extending from the collars  54 ,  66  substantially tangentially. However, the spacing between the trays  30 ,  40  may be increased or decreased by altering the positioning of the arm portions  56 ,  68  relative to the collars  54 ,  66 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 5 , a side-view depicts the trays  30 ,  40  in a substantially vertical position. As shown, the feedpath  21  is substantially U-shaped as such feedpath passes downwardly from the first tray  30  through the body  12  and upwardly through the second tray  40 . The trays  30 ,  40  may be held in position by the frictional engagement between the pivot arms  50 ,  52 ,  62 ,  64  and the hubs  60 . Alternatively, other retaining features may be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7  the printer  10  is again depicted with the trays  30 ,  40  moved from the vertical positions depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the exemplary embodiment the trays  30 ,  40  are moved so as to define a substantially horizontal U-shaped feedpath. In the positions depicted, the first tray  30  is substantially horizontally positioned and the second tray  40  is also substantially horizontally positioned beneath the first tray  30  so that media passes through the first tray  30  within the body  12  and out to the second tray  40 . Alternatively, the output tray  40  could be located above the input tray  30 , opposite the illustrative embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the trays  30 ,  40  are depicted in yet another position. The first tray  30  is shown rotated to a substantially horizontal position to provide a feedpath straight through the body  12  and into the second media tray  40 . The first tray  30  is spaced apart from the second tray  40  by about 180 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first tray  30  is depicted in a substantially upright position extending from the body  12  while the second tray  40  is depicted extending from the body in a substantially horizontal position. Since the first tray  30  and the second tray  40  are substantially perpendicular to one another the feedpath  21  is generally defined as L-shaped. The trays  30 ,  40  may be held in place by frictional engagement or by way of engagement features such as ribs, teeth, protuberances or other such releasable design. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the printer  10  is shown with the first tray and second tray  30 ,  40  depicted in an arrangement wherein the first tray  30  is at an acute angle to the second tray  40 . In this configuration the first, upper tray  30  is depicted angled upwardly from the body  12  and the second, lower tray  40  is disposed in a substantially horizontal position extending from the body  12 . Media feedpath  21  is shown extending from the first tray  30  downwardly, turning within the body  12 , and extending through the second output tray  40 . The trays  30 ,  40  may be releasably held in position by retaining abutments or frictionally, as previously described. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15  the first media tray  30  and the second media tray  40  are depicted at obtuse angles from one another. In the depicted embodiments, the first tray  30  extends downwardly into the body  12  at an obtuse angle with respect to the second tray  40 , which is extending from the body  12  at a substantially horizontal orientation. Again, the trays  30 ,  40  may be held in place frictionally or by retaining abutments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16  a side-view of the printer  10  is depicted with the input tray  30  and the output tray  40  positioned at various orientations relative to the body  12  in a single figure. The input tray  30  may include an auto-compensating mechanism (ACM)  31  having a media pick wheel thereon. A motor for operating the ACM  31  may be located within the tray  30  or within the body  12 . In the latter embodiment a transmission such as a gear transmission should allow for movement of the tray  30  about the body  12 . The ACM  31  feeds media within the tray  30  from the top of the stack, however the device may alternatively bottom feed. 
     Adjacent the media output tray  40  within the body is a roller  41 . The media feeds along the feedpath  21  through body  12  and is picked by the roller  41  for feeding into the output tray  40 . The roller  41  may be located on a shaft or be part of an ACM device  31 . The roller  41  must also be able to move with the tray  41  along the body  12  or alternatively may be located within the tray  40 . As a result, the roller  41  may be driven by a motor within the body  12  or may be driven by a motor located with the tray  40 . 
     The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.