Case and insert for differently sized magnetic tape enclosures

Claim 1

In combination with a carrying case having a housing or receptacle, at least one insert for said casing being of the type for interchangeably receiving and storing two differently sized magnetic tape enclosures having generally rectangular configurations, the first enclosure having a smaller width and a greater thickness than the corresponding dimensions of the second enclosure, and having a height greater than the height of the second enclosure; said insert comprising a plurality of tandem storage compartments each of which is adapted to interchangeably receive a first or a second dimensioned magnetic tape enclosure, each compartment being generally rectangular in configuration and bounded on two sides by two substantially parallel wall portions spaced from each other a first predetermined distance approximately equal to the width of the first enclosure to securely receive the same therebetween and a further wall portion substantially normal to said parallel wall portions, each compartment being open on the side thereof opposite said further wall portion for receiving the enclosures; and guide means at least partially bounding said wall portions of each compartment to define a space having a thickness equal to a second predetermined distance approximately equal to the thickness of the first enclosure for guiding the first enclosures into said compartments and preventing the first enclosures from moving therein, an elongate rectangular recess provided in at least one of said spaced parallel wall portions of each compartment which opens at said compartment open end and is spaced from said further wall portions so as to form a depth limiting shoulder adapted to maintain at least a portion of said second enclosure projecting above said parallel wall portions upon full insertion of said second enclosure into said compartment, each recess forming retaining wall portions which define a space having a width greater than said first predetermined distance and a thickness smaller than said second predetermined distance suitable for securely receiving a second enclosure to thereby prevent movements of a second enclosure within said compartments, whereby the manual gripping of any second enclosure is facilitated by said depth limiting shoulder, and whereby each compartment can interchangeably receive either a first or a second enclosure and maintain each securely therein by insertion through an associated compartment open end and respective cooperation with either said guide means or said retaining wall portions of said recesses.