Abstract: A container having a base, with a bottom surface, a first support tube fixed to the base at a first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; a second support tube fixed to the base at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the first support tube; a third support tube fixed to the base, at a second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface, and below and substantially parallel to the first level; and a fourth support tube fixed to the base, at the second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to the third support tube. The first and second support tubes may be substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes.

Abstract: A container for foodstuffs (10), in particular coffee, suitable to be used as a refill for a tin (20) having a peripheral wall (21) made of rigid material, which defines an internal compartment (22), comprises a central body (11) made of a flexible material and having external sizes substantially equal to, or a little smaller than, those of said internal compartment (22) of the tin (20). Coupling means (30) are provided to temporarily couple, in a removable manner, the central body (11) with the tin (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container including a container body with a removable tray wherein the container can house at least two materials that must be kept separate until use. The container also may have upwardly extending fingers in the removable tray for securing a material.

Abstract: Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.

Abstract: An exemplary container for storing and transporting materials is disclosed. In various embodiments, the exemplary container includes one or more handles for assisting a user with lifting the exemplary container and/or controlling the exemplary container when pouring the exemplary container's contents. The one or more handles, in particular embodiments, are designed for minimum interference with other similar containers during transport. In some embodiments, certain handles are recessed within a cavity of a sidewall of the exemplary container.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible container can include folding a web or sheet to define one or more gussets in one or more regions of the flexible container. The gusset can be a continuous gusset or can be an interrupted gusset, having a seal disposed in the gusset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bag (10) comprising a front wall (11) and a back wall (12) arranged parallel to the front wall (11), a bottom (13) that can be folded into the plane of the walls (11, 12), such that a filling chamber (14) results that is open on one side, and a pair of carrying handles (31) that is attached on the front wall (11) and the back wall (12). According to the invention, the pair of carrying handles (31) comprises a folding line (15) in the filling space (14), such that the pair of carrying handles (31) can be brought into a usage position (1) and in a rest position (2), wherein in the rest position (2) the pair of carrying handles (31) is entirely folded back inside the filling chamber (14) and in the usage position (1) the pair of carrying handles (31) protrudes at least in certain areas from the filling space (14).

Abstract: A bulk bag includes a bulk bag body that is configured to have a varying circumference with a reduced circumference between the top and bottom of the bulk bag body to reduce bulging when the bulk bag body is filled with content.

Abstract: A closure for a bottle includes a wooden head portion and a stopper portion. The wooden head portion has a recess formed therein. The stopper portion has a polymer inner member and a polymer outer member. The polymer inner member includes a first part embedded in the recess in the wooden head and a second part extending away from the wooden head and substantially covered by the polymer outer member.

Abstract: Provided is a vial rubber stopper using multiple types of rubber to prevent the vial rubber stopper from being scraped and from sticking to a presser plate. The vial rubber stopper includes: a cap portion having a flange; a piercing area formed to have a recess at a top surface of the cap portion and configured to traverse longitudinally the cap portion in an axial direction from the recess to a bottom surface of the cap portion; and a leg portion formed on the bottom surface of the cap portion in a way of extending downward and located outside the piercing area with respect to an axial center of the cap portion. The piercing area is formed of rubber having rubber hardness from 20 to 35, and the top surface other than the recess of the cap portion is formed of rubber having rubber hardness from 58 to 90.

Abstract: A dispensing system that includes a bottle, a valve cap, a dosing cap. The bottle includes a side wall having at least a portion that is flexible. The valve cap regulates the dispensing of a flowable product from bottle into the dosing cap. In particular, flowable product may be dispensed from the bottle into the dosing cap when the dispensing system is in an inverted position and while the dosing cap is attached to valve cap. The valve cap and the dosing cap may support the dispensing system in the inverted position.

Abstract: A device includes a first part having a co-molded first support, valve cover and elastic actuator, and a second part having an injection molded second support, valve seat, and variable-volume storage chamber pre-form. The pre-form is blow molded into a flexible pouch defining the variable-volume storage chamber. The one-way valve includes a semi-annular, curvilinear, relatively rigid valve seat defining axially-extending, opposing first marginal portions, and an axially-extending first mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions. A flexible valve member is superimposed on the valve seat and defines axially-extending, opposing second marginal portions fixedly secured on or adjacent to respective first marginal portions of the valve seat, and an axially-extending second mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions and superimposed onto the first mid-portion of the valve seat.

Abstract: A child-proof and tamper-evident medication dispenser mold assembly includes first and second mold halves configured to be reversibly mated to form a product mold having an interior chamber for receiving an edible compound and a channel extending from the interior chamber to an outside surface of the assembly. The assembly further includes a male hinge component disposed on the first mold half and a female hinge component disposed on the second mold half, wherein each of the male and female hinge components are operable to cooperatively form a hinge assembly for mating the first and said second mold halves in an operable configuration. The male hinge component includes an aperture. The aperture, channel and interior chamber are substantially coaxially aligned.

Abstract: Various shaped packaging containers for storing liquids and/or solid contents. In one embodiment, the container can have a leaf shaped body member. The body member can be opaque or transparent. A base member can be secured to a bottom area of the container. The base can be solid or can be provided with a lid opening at the bottom to provide access to the contents contained within the leaf shaped body member. The lid can be pivotally secured to the base. In a preferred embodiment a novel child safety lid/cover is provided and used to close the opening for the container. The cover requires a multiple step process in order to be removed and helps to prevent inadvertent or accidental openings of the container.

Abstract: A molded article comprising a container top is disclosed. The molded article includes a threadless frame defining an opening, a flip cap located substantially coplanar with, and integrally formed with, the frame, a compound hinge between the frame and the flip cap, the hinge allowing the flip cap to rotate about the hinge to rest on top of the frame, an in-mold lidding film having a perimeter molded to the frame such that the in-mold lidding film covers the opening defined by the frame, wherein the in-mold lidding film is removable from the frame, and a pull tab, formed from the in-mold lidding film, that extends past the opening defined by the frame.

Abstract: A storage delivery box is provided. The storage delivery box includes a housing having a base, sidewalls, a lid, and an interior volume. The lid is hingedly attached to the housing for selectively providing access to the interior volume. The lid includes a locking mechanism configured to automatically secure the lid when in a closed position. A door lock disposed on the lid includes an input for unlocking the lid when in the closed position. An alarm system disposed on the housing is configured to detect intruders, activate a home alarm system and a recording device, and wirelessly communicate any attempted intrusions to an electronic device. An auxiliary net removably attachable to the interior volume is configured to receive items that are too large to fit within the interior volume and secure them exteriorly to the storage box.

Abstract: A sealed single-dose break-open package having: a first sheet of semi-rigid plastic material; a second sheet of flexible plastic material superimposed on and sealed to the first sheet of semi-rigid plastic material to define a sealed pocket containing a dose of a product; and a pre-weakened area, which extends transversely and is obtained in a central area of the first sheet, so as to guide, following a folding of the sealed package, a controlled breakage of the first sheet in correspondence to the pre-weakened area; the pre-weakened area has a single inner incision, which is oriented transversely and is obtained through an inner surface of the first sheet, and a single outer incision, which is oriented transversely, is obtained through an outer surface of the first sheet, and is transversely staggered relative to and longitudinally aligned with the inner incision.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a box including one or more side walls, each of which defines an inside surface. A bag is disposed in an internal region defined by the box. Drinking water is contained in the bag, the water being non-alcoholic. The bag is adapted to protect the water from contaminants, tastes, and odors, each of which originates from either the bag itself or a source external to the bag. A water-resistant coating may be applied to the respective inside surfaces. When condensate forms on the bag, the water-resistant coating at least resists absorption of the condensate into the one or more side walls. The apparatus may include a spout, which permits the water to be dispensed from the bag for human consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, the water is treated with a sanitizing additive such as, for example, ozone. The apparatus mitigates the environmental impacts of drinking water packaging.

Abstract: An oxygen absorbing multilayer container having at least three layers of a first resin layer containing a thermoplastic resin, an oxygen absorbing layer containing an oxygen absorbing resin composition which contains a polyester compound (a) containing a constituent unit having a tetralin ring and a transition metal catalyst, and a second resin layer containing the same type of thermoplastic resin as the thermoplastic resin contained in the first resin layer, in this order, in which a cycloolefin polymer having a glass transition temperature of 50 to 110° C. is contained as the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A packaging material includes an antimicrobial agent adhered to a substrate. The antimicrobial agent can include copper, and the packaging material can include cellulose. The substrate can be paperboard, and the copper can be a copper salt, such as copper sulfate. The packaging material may be provided by causing adherence between the substrate and the antimicrobial agent, such as by coating the substrate with the antimicrobial agent. Then, the packaging material may be cut into sheets. The sheets may be formed into cartons or other suitable packages.

Abstract: A refill for holding at least two compositions comprises a container including a body and first and second compositions disposed within the body such that the first and second compositions are substantially separated and the second composition is disposed above the first composition. The refill further includes a tube disposed within the body of the container such that the tube contains the first and second compositions, wherein the tube has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Still further, the refill includes a wick disposed within the tube, wherein the wick contains the first and second compositions and has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to create a gap between the wick and the tube is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to create a gap between the wick and the tube.

Abstract: A container (100) for isolating first and second fluids, such as beverage concentrate components, until dispensing is provided, as well as methods of assembly and dispensing. The container can have first (111) and second (113) enclosed bodies for containing the first and second fluids to be dispensed and an insert (130) directing fluid from the enclosed bodies, such as toward one or more valves or separate discharge paths (148a, 148b).

Abstract: A means of suspending items within a transportable container, such as an environmental enclosure like a common “cooler” or “ice-chest”. Inside the container, items are supported by resting on top of a shelf or platform that may be rigid, semi-rigid, inflatable, pleated, telescoping, floating, cushioned, or flexible. The shelf may be supported by straps that may exit the container and are fastened to, or encircle, the interior and/or exterior of the container. The mechanism for attachment to the outside of the container may be a simple loop over an external anchor point affixed to the outside of the container, or a latch or latches, or a magnetic device, or a continuous loop or loops that encircle the container such that no external anchor is required.

Abstract: Disclosed are can taps for dispensing fluids from containers. The can tap has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a pin. The pin has a flow portion in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet of the housing. The pin may have a blunt depressor capable of operating a valve on the container. The flow portion of the pin allows fluid to flow between the housing and the pin. The can tap may have a gasket comprising a material having a hardness that prevents deformation of the container.

Abstract: A handheld reusable multi-compartmental mixing and dispensing container for storing fluids separately therein before mixing. The proportions of the substances in a mixture are externally adjustable. The desired concentration is determined by test components attached to the container that sense various environmental and user specific factors. The amount of the adjustable substance to be added to a mixture is controlled by an adjustment wheel on the container. A single control button allows a user to choose what fluid substances are to be mixed and dispensed. A pressurized gas propellant in a replaceable canister moves the fluid around and out of the container.

Abstract: Described herein is an aerosol hairspray product including a container including a container wall which encloses a reservoir. The reservoir includes from about 40% to about 70% of a hairstyling formulation and from about 30% to about 60% of a dimethyl ether propellant. The hairstyling formulation includes water, one or more hairstyling polymers, and from about 0.05% to about 2% alcohol. A spraying device is attached to the container. The spraying devices includes a valve including a valve housing including a vapor tap including a vapor tap area. A dip tube is connected to the valve. The dip tube includes a dip tube orifice including a dip tube orifice area. The ratio of the vapor tap area to the dip tube orifice area is from about 0.005 to about 0.15.

Abstract: A carrier for a container for rod-like articles of the tobacco industry, the carrier interior having a cuboid-like shape, the carrier having a bottom wall, a middle sidewall and two outer sidewalls=adjoining it, while from the side of the remaining walls of the abovementioned cuboid the carrier is open. An external movable element is attached to the carrier and extending along the middle sidewall. The height of the middle sidewall is lower than the height of the outer sidewalls, so that between the outer sidewalls and the upper edge of the middle sidewall there is a void space. The movable element is movable between a first position, in which it lies opposite to the middle sidewall, and a second position, in which it lies at least partially opposite to the void space or at least partially is situated within the void space above upper edge of the middle sidewall.

Abstract: A rigid, swing-open package of tobacco articles having: a group of tobacco articles; an inner container housing the group of tobacco articles; an outer container housing the inner container; a main hinge connecting the inner container to the outer container to allow the inner container to rotate between a closed position and an open position; and a stop member, which limits extraction of the inner container from the outer container and so defines a fully-open position of the inner container with respect to the outer container; the stop member being provided with a stop tab having an inner panel hinged at one end to the inner container, an outer panel glued to a wall of the outer container, and an intermediate panel hinged to the inner panel on one side and to the outer panel on the opposite side.

Abstract: Described is a packet for tobacco products, substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped and extending about a respective main direction, having a front wall, a rear wall facing the front wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall; the bottom wall and the top wall have a same perimeter extension; the packet also has at least a first and a second corner wall, each of which is interposed between a side wall and the respective front wall or rear wall and has a transversal dimension variable along the main direction; the first corner wall has a geometry complementary to that of the second corner wall in such a way as to keep substantially constant the perimeter extension of each section of the packet transversal to the main direction.

Abstract: A pizza box having a bottom (1), side walls (3, 4), a front wall (5), a rear wall (6) and a lid (23), joined with the rear wall (6) along a pre-cut line (24) and centrally provided with partially circular cuts (26) with a vent function, the lid (23) having at least one parabola-shaped breaking line (22) so that a tear along each predetermined breaking line (22) of the lid (23) provides a small tray (V).

Abstract: There is provided a header for packaging a roll of paper having two opposite roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends, the outer roll surface being wrapped with a wrapping paper. The header comprises a cellulosic fiber based substrate having two surfaces and a film coated to at least a portion of one of the substrate surfaces. The film is coated to the substrate surface by extrusion of a coating comprising a mLLDPE resin. The film coated surface is heat sealable to an outside surface of an interior header affixed to one of the roll ends, thereby forming a protective cap at the roll end. The header generates less volatile compounds and/or carbon monoxide compared to a header coated with a standard LDPE, on heat sealing conditions.

Abstract: A method includes wrapping one or more pieces of fabric around at least one piece of shape memory material. The method also includes attaching outer edges of the one or more pieces of fabric to other portions of the one or more pieces of fabric. The method further includes depositing liquid-impervious material onto the one or more pieces of fabric to form free-standing flexible walls and a floor of a containment structure. The floor is formed seamlessly with the walls. The wrapping could include attaching a bottom of the at least one piece of shape memory material to the one or more pieces of fabric at locations spaced apart from the outer edges of the one or more pieces of fabric. The wrapping could also include attaching sides of the at least one piece of shape memory material to the one or more pieces of fabric.

Abstract: A bulk material storage container assembly for storing and unloading particulate material includes a storage vessel adapted to hold particulate material. A discharge port is in fluid communication with the storage vessel and with a discharge port outlet. The discharge port is also sized and shaped to facilitate bridging of particulate material. A shaft is mounted within the storage vessel adjacent to the discharge port and adapted for reciprocal movement with respect to the discharge port. A rake is mounted on said shaft and adapted to disaggregate particulate material that has bridged proximate the discharge port as the shaft is reciprocated with respect to the discharge port.

Abstract: Safe transport of bulk materials is assured by a lashing system that suspends a flexible end face panel adjacent to rear doors of a shipping container, and that restrains the end face panel during loading and subsequent transport, so that the adjacent container door may be opened and closed without difficulty. The lashing may for instance be done by threading a strap through a ring in a central part of the panel and several cargo rings in the corners of a door opening of the container, and after tightening the strap, the strap is secured by passing a clasp through two holes in the strap that are aligned when under the desired tension. A triangular shaped strap may be sewn into the panel with a ring at the apex as an embodiment.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for suppressing sloshing. An apparatus for suppressing sloshing according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of buoyant blocks and connecting members connecting the buoyant blocks and can float on a liquid cargo in a liquid cargo storage tank, the buoyant block includes a buoyant body having buoyancy to float on liquid, a first foam member covering the buoyant body and absorbing the liquid, and a first cover covering the first foam member, and the first foam member has through-holes formed through the first foam member.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing leaks from rubbish containing liquids and noxious smells has an air-tight and water-tight reusable trash receptacle. The receptacle uses an inner ring and an outer ring to secure a trash bag. A gasketed lid provides a seal when the lid is engaged with the outer ring. A fabric cover attaches to the outer ring and protects and hides the trash bag held within.

Abstract: A handle for pulling or lifting an object includes a handle having a first section with a gripping surface, a second section spaced from the first section and side sections that each connect between the first and second sections on opposing sides of a handle central open area; a pair of lugs mounted on said second section and extending away from said central opening area spaced inwardly of said side sections, wherein each lug has a lug free end and a lug base joined to the second section; each lug having an open ended transverse opening that includes a cylindrical section and a groove extending radially away from the cylindrical section; and a removable locking pin that is connectable to the lugs by occupying the lug openings in a connected locking position.

Abstract: A disc for a cable conveyor comprised of a polymer formed from a resin including a blend of siloxane, and polyethylene. The siloxane may be a high molecular weight siloxane having a viscosity ranging from 10,000 cst. to 1,000,000 cst., preferably about 500,000 cst., and the polyethylene may be an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene having a molecular weight ranging from 3 million grams/mol. to 8 million grams/mol., preferably about 3.5 million grams/mol. The siloxane is present in the blend from 0.5 percent to 30.0, preferably about 3.0 percent.

Abstract: A guide that fits over a paddle link in a paddle-type elevator in a harvester combine grain elevator. The plastic guide provides a wide, low-friction surface that rides on the intermediate wall of a grain elevator, thereby keeping the paddle links from rubbing against and causing wear to the intermediate wall. The guide also serves to inhibit the paddle from tipping back, thereby preventing the concentration of force by one corner of a paddle link against the intermediate wall. The guide al so helps maintain the correct orientation of flexible paddle against the inside of the elevator housing, thereby inhibiting the paddle from tipping back and leaking grain back into the upward path of the conveyor. The plastic guide also reduces noise caused by the metal parts of a paddle-type elevator from coming into contact.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising: (a) one or more frames; (b) one or more controllers; (c) one or more motors located within a motor housing; and (d) a plurality or rollers; wherein the motor housing includes one or more internal pockets that receive the motor and the one or more controllers, and the controller is in contact with one or more walls of the motor housing; and wherein the motor housing is directly connected to the frame so that at least one of the one or more walls in contact with the controller are in direct contact with the one or more frames.

Abstract: A rotary to linearly reciprocating motion converter includes a case, a closure member engaging an opening of the case to dispose a pinion gear rotatably coupled to the closure member, the pinion gear having half the diameter as an interior ring gear of the case, and further includes a pinion shaft connected to the pinion gear on a first side of the closure member and to an inboard end of a crank arm on a second side of the closure member, the outboard end of the crank arm having a force transfer member aligned with a point on the periphery of the pinion gear. Rotation of the closure member relative to the case results in the force transfer member moving in a linearly reciprocating mode. The force transfer member may be coupled to a conveyor to reciprocate the conveyor as the closure member rotates.

Abstract: A belt cleaner is provided which does not damage the belt surface during the scraping operation where tips on an arcuate scraper held in a holder are inclined and pushed against the belt surface with rotary shafts of the holder rotated by a resilient force. A scraper (20) is provided with a flat slope (29) extending in parallel with the belt surface from top edges of the tips (21) in the belt running direction (F), said flat slope (29) is made to contact with the belt surface in a manner of surface-contact connection when the tips are shifted up the posture from a vertical posture to an inclined posture, and a width (W) of said flat slope (29) in the belt running direction with respect to the thickness (t) of said tip (21) is formed under the condition of t<W.

Abstract: A baggage transfer conveyer unit for mounting over a baggage carousel having a carousel transferring path for transferring a baggage therealong is provided. The conveyor unit comprises a proximal end, a distal end, an upper surface by means of which the baggage is to be transferred from the proximal end to the distal end along a conveyor unit transferring path extending between the ends, a baggage transferring mechanism configured for causing the upper surface to transfer the baggage along the conveyor transferring path; and a baggage diverting mechanism configured for causing a part of the upper surface to divert the baggage from the conveyer unit transferring path along a diverted direction different from that of the conveyor unit transferring path. The baggage transfer conveyer unit is configured to be mounted over the baggage carousel such that the conveyer transferring path is aligned with the carousel transferring path.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying granular resin material from one or more supplies to a receptacle adjustably selected from a plurality of receptacles.

Abstract: An ejection hood apparatus includes a transfer conduit and a hood. The transfer conduit includes a downwardly concave control shell. An inlet end portion of the transfer conduit receives an upwardly directed transfer air stream including ejected material with at least a partially upward trajectory. The hood defines an ejection chamber including a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion. The lower chamber portion receives the transfer air stream from an outlet end portion of the transfer conduit with at least a partially downward trajectory. The hood includes at least one air outlet passage communicated with the upper chamber portion for exhausting at least a portion of the transfer air stream.

Abstract: A glove stacking apparatus for forming a stack of gloves for packing into a box comprises a packing recess for receiving gloves to be stacked and for containing the stack as the stack is being formed, and a glove placement means for moving and depositing gloves at the recess one of top of another for forming the stack of gloves. The recess has a pair of opposite side edges. A movable floor within the recess is lowered as the stack of gloves grows whereby the stack of gloves continues to be retained within the recess as gloves are added to the stack. The glove placement means is arranged to deposit gloves with a portion of each glove overlapping alternately one or the other of the opposite side edges of the recess as subsequent gloves are deposited. The apparatus also comprises a pair of movable flaps adjacent the opposite side edges of the recess for folding alternately inwards towards the recess the portions of that gloves that overlap alternately one or another of the opposite side edges of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention is a pivoting pit seal assembly that forms a continuous seal with the rear bumper of a trailer parked in the bay of a loading dock, and which combines with the side and top seals of the loading dock to provide a 360 degree seal around a trailer. The pit seal assembly has a compression pad mounted to a rigid base. The pad has a resilient, compressible core material wrapped by a durable cover. One side of the base is pivotally held by brackets and corresponding releasable latches anchored to the front wall adjacent the pit floor or directly to the pit floor. During use, the pit seal is held in an upwardly angled position to compressingly engage the rear bumper of the trailer and form a continuous seal with the bumper. Each side end of the pit seal sealingly engages the vertical side seals located along the sides of the door opening to form a continuous seal between the pit seal and the side seals.

Abstract: A draw-in apparatus having at least two rotatable draw-in rollers for drawing in sheet goods, in particular bank notes, wherein the draw-in rollers are arranged relative to each other with meshing roller profiles respectively extending transversely to the draw-in direction so as to define a draw-in gap for the sheet goods, and wherein the draw-in rollers have axial cross-sectional profiles mutually matched such that a clearance between the draw-in rollers changes periodically upon a rotation of the draw-in rollers.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a supply-sheet supporter having a supply support surface that supports a sheet; a conveyor configured to convey the sheet from the supply-sheet supporter along a conveyance path; and a discharged-sheet supporter disposed above the supply-sheet supporter and configured to support the sheet conveyed by the conveyor. The discharged-sheet supporter includes: a particular end portion located farthest from the conveyor in the discharged-sheet supporter and opposed to the supply support surface from above; and a movable member including the particular end portion at one of opposite end portions of the movable member, which one is farther from the conveyor than another of the opposite end portions. The movable member is pivotable in a direction in which a distance between the particular end portion and the supply support surface is increased.

Abstract: A document feeder, which may be incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet conveying guide, at least one recess, a frame, and at least one protrusion. The sheet conveying guide is disposed facing an exposure glass on an apparatus body and guides an original document passing over the exposure glass when the document feeder is closed to the apparatus body. The recess is disposed on the apparatus body at both ends of the exposure glass in a lateral direction orthogonal to a document conveying direction. The frame is openably closable about one end side of the apparatus body in the lateral direction and vertically movably holds the sheet conveying guide. The protrusion is disposed on the frame facing the recess. The sheet conveying guide and the frame are secured to each other while the recess and the protrusion are engaged with each other in the closed state.