Media Sheet Ramp For An Image Forming Device

Abstract

The present application is directed to embodiments of an input device and methods to introduce a media sheet into an image forming apparatus. The device may include a support surface sized to support the media sheet. A ramp may be positioned adjacent to the support surface to direct the media sheet from the support surface to a media path. In one embodiment, a pick mechanism is positioned to move the media sheet from the support surface and alone the ramp. An adjustment member may be operatively connected to the ramp to adjust an angle of the ramp relative to the support surface depending upon a stiffness of the media sheet.

1 . An input device to introduce a media sheet into an image forming apparatus, the device comprising:
 a support surface sized to support the media sheet;   a ramp positioned adjacent to the support surface to direct the media sheet from the support surface to a media path;   a pick mechanism positioned to move the media sheet from the support surface and along the ramp; and   an adjustment member operatively connected to the ramp to adjust an angle of the ramp relative to the support surface depending upon a stiffness of the media sheet.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ramp is positioned at an end of the support surface. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ramp includes a first pivoting end that is positioned on a first side of a line formed by the support surface and a second end positioned on a second side of the line. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment member is a biasing member that contacts a first side of the adjustment member opposite from a second side that is contacted by the media sheet. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pick mechanism moves the media sheet against the ramp and exerts a force on the ramp that moves the ramp from a first orientation with a first ramp angle to a second orientation with a second ramp angle that is greater than the first ramp angle. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ramp includes a first pivoting end and a second end operatively positioned within a slot, the ramp being movable between a first orientation with the first end in contact with a first side of the slot and a second orientation with the first end in contact with a second side of the slot. 
     
     
         7 . An input device to introduce a media sheet into an image forming apparatus, the device comprising:
 a support surface sized to support the media sheet;   a ramp pivotally positioned at an end of the support surface to direct the media sheet from the support surface to a media path; and   an adjustment member operatively connected to the ramp to adjust an angle of the ramp relative to the support surface depending upon a stiffness of the media sheet;   the ramp being pivotable between a first orientation forming a first angle with the ramp in proximity to the support surface, and a second orientation forming a larger second angle with the ramp positioned away from the support surface.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the ramp is in contact with the support surface in the first orientation. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , further including a pivot member positioned at a first end of the ramp with a second section of the ramp that is spaced away from the first end being operatively positioned within a slot. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the adjustment member is a biasing member positioned to contact a back side of the ramp opposite from the support surface. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a pick mechanism positioned to move the media sheet from the support surface and along the ramp, the pick mechanism include a pick tire that contacts the media sheet and a pivoting arm. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein rotation of the pick tire causes the media sheet to exert a force on the ramp to move the ramp from the first orientation to the second orientation. 
     
     
         13 . A method of introducing a media sheet into an image forming apparatus comprising:
 moving the media sheet from a support surface and against a ramp positioned at an end of the support surface;   exerting a force on the ramp through the media sheet and pivoting the ramp from a first orientation with a first angle to a second orientation with a larger second angle;   moving the media sheet from the support surface and along the ramp; and   returning the ramp back to the first orientation after the media sheet passes beyond the ramp.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein moving the ramp from the first orientation to the second orientation comprises bending a biasing member that is in contact with the ramp. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein moving the ramp from the first orientation to the second orientation comprises pivoting the ramp about a first end and sliding a second end of the ramp in a slot. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of returning the ramp back to the first orientation after the media sheet passes beyond the ramp comprises contacting the ramp against the support surface. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further including moving a second media sheet with a greater stiffness than the media sheet from the support surface and exerting a second force on the ramp through the second media sheet and pivoting the ramp from the first orientation to a third orientation with a third angle, the third angle being larger then the first and second angles. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , further including moving a second media sheet with a lesser stiffness than the media sheet from the support surface and exerting a second force on the ramp through the second media sheet and pivoting the ramp from the first orientation to a third orientation with a third angle, the third angle being larger than the first angle and less than the second angle. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further including returning the ramp back to the first orientation prior to moving a second media sheet from the support surface. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising pivoting the ramp to the second orientation and contacting a back side of the ramp against a stop.