Copying apparatus cover

Abstract

In an electrophotographic copying apparatus, a cover and document keep device comprises a rigid cover cooperating with a pivoting arm linkage to maintain substantially parallel alignment of the cover with the platen surface regardless of the thickness of the original document to be copied, thereby providing an effective shield against radiation emitted by the copier exposure source. A plurality of anchoring means are formed in a recessed region of the copying apparatus housing. A resiliently biased arm link is slidably pivotally mounted to the anchoring means and pivotally mounted to the rigid cover to allow the cover to remain substantially parallel with the platen surface through a range of document thicknesses. Another feature of the invention allows the rigid cover to remain pivotally raised above the platen surface without user assistance. A projection on the rigid cover makes frictional engagement with a wall of the recessed region in the copier housing to hold the cover resiliently biased in a raised position.