Locking reel container

Claim 1

In a reel storage container having separable mated portions forming a centrally located hub having an axis and a chamber around the hub adapted to receive a reel and latch means coaxially centered within the hub for releasably coupling the portions including a socket in one portion having an inwardly projecting annular ring, a resilient cup supported on the other portion and positioned within the socket when the portions are mated, and a latch member mounted within the cup for movement from a latching to a releasing position, said cup and latch member having members in engagement to expand the cup within the socket and retain the container portions in the closed position when the latch member is in the latching position, and out of engagement to afford separation of the container portions when the latching member is in the releasing position, the improvement wherein: said container includes a key-operated pin-tumbler lock mechanism including: a plug mounted in the latch member for rotation about said axis via said key between locked and unlocked positions; a pair of locking members mounted on the latch member for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the axis of the plug in opposed directions between engaged and separated positions; cam Means engaged between said plug and said locking members for correspondingly moving the locking members between their engaged and separated positions upon rotation of the plug between the locked and unlocked positions; and a pin fixed to the base coaxially with said hub and having a projecting end adapted for engaging from opposite sides by the locking member when said container portions are mated and said locking members are moved to their engaged position, the locking members when in their separated position being spaced and out of engagement with said pin to afford axial movement of the pin therebetween and separation of the container portions.