Computer tape reel handling device

Claim 1

A handling device comprising: an upright cylindrical body for receiving items to be handled, said body having two substantially identical semi-cylindrical sections which form said body when connected, wherein each of said body sections includes an internally laterally extending projection stem for attaching said sections one to the other; said sections are joined along longitudinally extending edges wherein each section includes one longitudinal projection and one longitudinal groove; a flange at one end portion of said body for limiting movement of and providing support for said items; means at said other end portion of said body for cooperating with a handle whereby said body can be carried; a handle connected to said other end portion moveable between extended and retracted positions, said handle including two arms and a grip portion, wherein each of said arms includes at one end portion an elongated slot-like opening forming a boundary surface for guiding said arms relative to said body during movement between said extended and retracted positions, and at an opposite end portion a spring seat projection for engaging a biasing spring wherein the opposite end portions of said arms are biased outwardly when said arms are in said extended position; said body including internally extending pads which extend through said slot-like opening for sliding along said boundary surface and tabs mounted to said pads for entrapping said arms; and said spring positioned in said grip portion for biasing said arms outwardly when in said extended position.