Document retainer for vertically oriented image scanning device

Abstract

A vertically oriented image scanning device includes a chassis with a vertically oriented scanning window and a flap cover pivoted to the chassis. A document support flange is formed along a lower edge of the scanning window for aligning a document with respect to the scanning window. A thin metal plate has opposite edges attached to an inner face of the flap cover and forms a convex configuration for elastic deformation and thus applying a force to retain the document against the scanning window. The convex configuration also helps guiding the document to position. Alternatively, a resilient pad replaces the thin metal plate for applying a force to the document.

1 . A vertically oriented image scanning device comprising: 
 a chassis having a vertical scanning window;    a flap cover movably attached to the chassis and having an inner face for removably closing the scanning window; and    a document retainer attached to the inner face of the flap cover, the document retainer comprising a resilient member which resiliently forces the document against the scanning window when the flap cover is closed.    
     
     
         2 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a document support flange formed along a lower edge of the scanning window, and a pair of projections being formed on opposite ends of the document support flange.  
     
     
         3 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the resilient member comprises a thin metal sheet having an arched central portion and opposite edges attached to the inner face of the flap cover and forming a convex configuration.  
     
     
         4 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the chassis is mounted on a base.  
     
     
         5 . A vertically oriented image scanning device comprising: 
 a chassis having a vertical scanning window;    a flap cover movably attached to the chassis and having an inner face for removably closing the scanning window; and    a document retainer attached to the inner face of the flap cover, the document retainer comprising a pair of resilient strips each having two ends attached to the inner face of the flap cover for resiliently forces the document against the scanning window when the flap cover is closed.    
     
     
         6 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a document support flange formed along a lower edge of the scanning window, and a pair of projections being formed on opposite ends of the document support flange.  
     
     
         7 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the resilient member comprises a thin metal sheet having an arched central portion and opposite edges attached to the inner face of the flap cover and forming a convex configuration.  
     
     
         8 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the chassis is mounted on a base.  
     
     
         9 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprises a pad mounted to the inner face of the flap cover between two resilient strips.  
     
     
         10 . The vertically oriented image scanning device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the pad is made of a resilient material.