Case for differently sized magnetic tape enclosures

Claim 1

A case having side and end walls adapted 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 case having at least one row of tandem storage compartments, at least one of which is adapted to interchangeably receive a first or a second dimensioned magnetic tape enclosure, said compartment being generally rectangular in configuration and bounded on two sides by wall portions spaced from each other a first predetermined distance approximately equal to the width of the first enclosure to receive the same therebetween and a further wall portion substantially normal to said wall portions, said 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 said 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 enclosure into said compartment and preventing the first enclosure from moving therein, wall means spaced from said wall portions and cooperating therewith to form an elongate rectangular recess which opens at said compartment open end and is spaced from said further wall portion so as to form a depth limiting shoulder or ledge adapted to maintain at least a portion of said second enclosure projecting above said 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 compartment, whereby the manual gripping of any second enclosure is facilitated by said depth limiting shoulder, and whereby said compartment can interchangeably receive either a first or a second enclosure and maintain either enclosure 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 recess.