Patent ID: 8246035

Claim:
An image reading apparatus comprising: a main body comprising: a document table including a reading window, the reading window defining a flat surface configured to receive a document thereon; an image reader configured to read an image on the document; and a recessed portion extending below an upper end surface of the document table; a pivotal unit configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, the pivotal unit comprising: a document cover configured to cover the reading window in a case that the pivotal unit is in the first position and expose the reading window in a case that the pivotal unit is in the second position; an automatic document feeder configured to automatically feed a document, the automatic document feeder comprising: a feed roller extending in a direction perpendicular to an axis and configured to convey the document; a gear train disposed on an end of the feed roller with respect to an axial direction of the feed roller, the gear train including a plurality of gears and being configured to transmit a rotational force to the feed roller; and a gear holder that holds the gear train, wherein a lower end of the gear holder is flush with or below the upper end surface of the document table in the case that the pivotal unit is in the first position; and a first protrusion protruding below the upper end surface of the document table in the recessed portion in the case that the pivotal unit is in the first position; and a hinge mechanism configured to allow the pivotal unit to pivot about the axis relative to the main body, the axis being located below the upper end surface of the document table, the hinge mechanism including a first hinge and a second hinge, the first hinge and the second hinge being spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the axis, the recessed portion extending at least from the first hinge to the second hinge, wherein the first protrusion defines a hollow interior that is generally box-like in shape and open toward the gear train.