US3908925A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tape cassette opener
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1974-04-30
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Granted: 1975-09-30
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Expires: 1994-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A tubular tool simultaneously unlatches a tubular cover from a contained spool of tape and holds the spool for winding and reeling operations. The tool operates on an annular latch securing the tubular cover to the spool core. The tool has an annular cam plus a set of coaxial circularly disposed resilient fingers extending beyond the cam. The cam and fingers are constructed to interact with the annular latch and spool ring inducing unlatching forces.
Inventors
- 👤 Helfried O Rinkleib
- 👤 William J Rueger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:29
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/60; G11B15/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A combined cover separating and spool-holding tool apparatus for operation with a circular cylindrical tape-containing cartridge having a hollow core spool covered by a tubular cover with a circular set of latching fingers on a core of said spool which radially outwardly engage an annular locking ridge on said tubular cover, said latching fingers having radially outwardly faced camming surfaces circumferentially disposed about and radially outward of a circle having a given diameter, a radially inwardly extending annular rib on said latching fingers approximately a given axial distance from said camming surfaces, the improvement including in combination: an annular cam having a diameter enabling said cam to coact with said latching fingers and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of said annular locking ridge for exerting A given axial force on said latching fingers; and a circular set of resilient axially extending fingers coaxial with said annular cam and extending axially outwardly thereof said given axial distance approximating the length of said latching fingers and each of said spool-holding fingers having a radially outwardly extending detent/cam portion for exerting an axial force on said spool in the direction opposite to and greater than an axial force simultaneously exerted by said annular cam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
A combined cover separating and spool-holding tool apparatus for operation with a circular cylindrical tape-containing cartridge having a hollow core spool covered by a tubular cover with a circular set of latching fingers on a core of said spool which radially outwardly engage an annular locking ridge on said tubular cover, said latching fingers having radially outwardly faced camming surfaces circumferentially disposed about and radially outward of a circle having a given diameter, a radially inwardly extending annular rib on said latching fingers approximately a given axial distance from said camming surfaces, the improvement including in combination: an annular cam having a diameter enabling said cam to coact with said latching fingers and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of said annular locking ridge for exerting A given axial force on said latching fingers; and a circular set of resilient axially extending fingers coaxial with said annular cam and extending axially outwardly thereof said given axial distance approximating the length of said latching fingers and each of said spool-holding fingers having a radially outwardly extending detent/cam portion for exerting an axial force on said spool in the direction opposite to and greater than an axial force simultaneously exerted by said annular cam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1 further including bearing means at an axial end portion of said apparatus opposite to said spool-holding fingers for rotationally receiving a support shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said annular cam consists of an outer portion having an inside diameter greater than said given diameter, and a radial inward cam portion coaxial with said outer portion and coaxially aligned therewith, said outside diameter being smaller than the diameter equal to the diameter of said annular latching ridge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein said radially outwardly extending detent has a forward axially extending cam and a backward axially extending cam surface, whereby as said apparatus is inserted into said spool, said backward axially acting cam aids the force of said annular cam on said latching fingers and tends to pull said annular cam over said latching fingers.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
115 words
The method of opening a tape cartridge having a tubular axially removable cover disposed over a tape-holding spool and latched thereto at one axial end by a circular set of radially movable resilient fingers, the spool having a hollow core with a radial extending rib axially inward of said resilient fingers, the step of: first engaging said rib with radial and axial forces, said axial forces directed toward said resilient fingers; simultaneously engaging said fingers to urge same radially into an unlatching position while exerting an axial force thereon opposite to the first-mentioned axial forces; and then axially relatively moving said cover and spool while at least partially holding said spool by said axial forces.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
115 words
The method of opening a tape cartridge having a tubular axially removable cover disposed over a tape-holding spool and latched thereto at one axial end by a circular set of radially movable resilient fingers, the spool having a hollow core with a radial extending rib axially inward of said resilient fingers, the step of: first engaging said rib with radial and axial forces, said axial forces directed toward said resilient fingers; simultaneously engaging said fingers to urge same radially into an unlatching position while exerting an axial force thereon opposite to the first-mentioned axial forces; and then axially relatively moving said cover and spool while at least partially holding said spool by said axial forces.
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) | 1978-09-29 | 1979-03-31 | 1979-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-03-31 | 1983-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-29 | 1987-03-31 | 1987-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |