Storage box for storing stacked recording mediums comprises a two-part
structure consisting of in-apparatus mounting portion and out-apparatus
mounting portion which are coupled via a rotational support mechanism.
In-apparatus mounting portion and out-apparatus mounting portion of
storage box are kept integrally coupled via lock mechanisms for locking
in-apparatus mounting portion and out-apparatus mounting portion of
storage box in normal use. On the other hand, when an improper handling
is performed such that the whole image forming apparatus is lifted up by
gripping the out-apparatus mounting portion of paper feed cassette, lock
mechanisms are released to pivot out-apparatus mounting portion thereby
to avoid the improper handling so that paper feed cassette which is
exposed outside from the image forming apparatus is prevented from
damages and the risk of the whole apparatus falling is avoided
beforehand.