US3661250A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reel case with lock
Assignee: DATA PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL Inc 1400 BRAYTON POINT ROAD SOMERSET MASSACHUSETTS A CORP OF DE
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Filing: 1970-05-28
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Granted: 1972-05-09
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Expires: 1990-05-28
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to improvements in cases for tape reels and the like. In particular, the improvements relate to a simplified construction of a lock to secure the separable halves of a tape reel case together. The lock includes only a single moving part which is located within a handle formed centrally within one of the halves of the case. The moving art of the lock cooperates with an upstanding post formed integrally with the other half of the reel case to lock the halves of the case together. The moving part of the lock also includes a release button which is exposed through the handle in the case and is disposed on the handle to facilitate gripping of the handle and operation of the release button.
Inventors
- 👤 George F Lyman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:08
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
In a reel case having mateable, separable sections defining said case, an improved locking mechanism comprising: a post formed integrally with and upstanding from one of said sections; means forming a flange secured to said post, said flange being disposed interiorly of said case, said flange having a first surface formed thereon; a latching member pivotally mounted to the other of said case sections and having a lug engagable with said first surface of said flange, said latching member being pivotable between a locked position in which said lug engages said first surface of said flange and an unlocked position in which said lug is out of engagement with said first surface of said flange, said lug and said first surface of said flange being arranged to preclude separation of said case sections when in said locked position; bias means secured to said latching member and being engagable with a region of said post to bias said latching member toward said locked position when said latching member is in said locked position; and means forming said other section to expose the free, pivotable portion of said latching member therethrough and to permit said latching member to be pivoted to an unlatched position in opposition to said bias means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
In a reel case having mateable, separable sections defining said case, an improved locking mechanism comprising: a post formed integrally with and upstanding from one of said sections; means forming a flange secured to said post, said flange being disposed interiorly of said case, said flange having a first surface formed thereon; a latching member pivotally mounted to the other of said case sections and having a lug engagable with said first surface of said flange, said latching member being pivotable between a locked position in which said lug engages said first surface of said flange and an unlocked position in which said lug is out of engagement with said first surface of said flange, said lug and said first surface of said flange being arranged to preclude separation of said case sections when in said locked position; bias means secured to said latching member and being engagable with a region of said post to bias said latching member toward said locked position when said latching member is in said locked position; and means forming said other section to expose the free, pivotable portion of said latching member therethrough and to permit said latching member to be pivoted to an unlatched position in opposition to said bias means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A reel case as defined in claim 1 further comprising: said flange being formed about the upper end of said post with said first surface thereof defining an annular configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A reel case as defined in claim 2 further comprising: said latching member being pivoted to said other section above and in proximity to said post when said sections are mated, the lug of said latching member being disposed on one side of said post and the free, pivotable end of said latching member being disposed on the other side of said post.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
A reel case as defined in claim 2 further comprising: a second surface formed on said flange on the opposite side thereof than said first surface; said bias means comprising a spring finger mounted to said latch member and engagable with said second surface of said flange when said sections are mated, said bias means being arranged to urge said latch member toward said locked position when in engagement with said flange, said spring finger acting on said flange in a direction opposite to that of said lug.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A reel case as defined in claim 4 wherein said biasing finger engages said second surface of said flange at a location that is on the opposite side of said post than that which is engaged by said lug.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
A reel case as defined in claim 5 wherein said bias finger is so constructed that when said case sectioNs are mated, said bias finger will engage the second surface of said flange before said lug engages said first surface of said flange, whereby said sections must be pressed together in opposition to the force of said bias finger to permit locking engagement of said lug with said flange.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A reel case as defined in claim 6 further comprising: said second surface of said flange defining an annular groove adapted to retain the free end of said bias finger.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A reel case as defined in claim 7 further comprising: the top of said post extending above and within said grooved second surface being of convex configuration to guide the free end of said bias member into said groove when said case sections are mated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
73 words
A reel case as defined in claim 8 wherein said bias means further comprises: a resilient leaf spring formed integrally with and secured to said latch member, said leaf spring having a free end thereof extending generally parallel to and below the free end of said latch member; and means formed on said one section for restraining pivotal movement of the free end of said leaf spring in unison with said latching member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
130 words
A reel case as defined in claim 9 wherein said other case section to which said latch member is mounted further comprises: said other section being formed to define a depression therein adapted to receive one''s fingers, said depression being defined by a bottom wall and a generally integral surrounding sidewall, said bottom wall being adapted to be disposed in close proximity to said one section when mated therewith; a handle formed integrally with said walls defining said depression, said handle including spaced upstanding sidewalls defining a void therebetween; and means mounting said latching member in said void of said handle, said bottom wall of said depression having a hole therein to permit entry of said post on said one section and engagement of said flange with said latching member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
A reel case as defined in claim 10 further comprising: said lower end of said sidewall being tapered inwardly; and a rib formed integrally with and upstanding from said one section, said rib extending about said post, said rib having a chamfered inner wall to receive said tapered sidewall to register said sections when mated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
A reel case as defined in claim 10 wherein said means mounting said latching member to said handle comprises: pins formed integrally with said latching member and extending laterally therefrom; and means forming sockets in said sidewalls defining said handle to receive said pins.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
A reel case as defined in claim 1 further comprising: said other section being formed to define a depression to receive one''s fingers and a handle extending diametrically across said depression; and said exposed portion of said latching member being exposed at one end of said handle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-09 | 1975-11-08 | 1976-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-09 | 1979-11-08 | 1980-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-09 | 1983-11-08 | 1984-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |