← Back to Patent Explorer
US4986491A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Reel leaf spring/cassette cover combinations and methods for assembly

Assignee: Shape Inc
•
Filing: 1989-12-28
•
Granted: 1991-01-22
•
Expires: 2009-12-28
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract Reel leaf spring/cassette cover combinations are described, wherein the leaf spring is removably mounted on the cover. In a cam fit embodiment, the spring is held within opposing pairs of projections. In a press fit embodiment, the spring includes lateral pointed members, which are caught between parallel projecting members formed on the cover. A related method of assembly includes the steps of: forming a cassette cover to include a plurality of opposing projections; inserting a leaf spring against the cover diagonally between the projections; and rotating the leaf spring to be removably engaged by the projections. In an alternate embodiment, the leaf spring includes lateral pointed members and the spring is installed straight down, such that the pointed members catch the plurality of projections.

Inventors

  • 👤 Anthony L. Gelardi
  • 👤 Craig Lovecky
  • 👤 Alan Lowry
  • 👤 Robert Barstow

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-06 14:40
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/04; G11B23/08; G11B23/087; G11B23/08707; G11B23/08721; G11B23/08728

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim 97 words
A tape cassette reel leaf spring/cover combination, comprising: (a) a cassette cover including an area for receiving a reel leaf spring; (b) an elongated reel leaf spring, including two sides; (c) a plurality of projections formed on the cassette cover; and (d) means for removably mounting the reel leaf spring relative to the area of the cassette cover, wherein the plurality of projections includes: a pair of diagonally opposed ramps and an opposing pair of walls, and wherein the removably mounting means includes: a receptacle formed on each wall for receiving the sides of the leaf spring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 97 words
A tape cassette reel leaf spring/cover combination, comprising: (a) a cassette cover including an area for receiving a reel leaf spring; (b) an elongated reel leaf spring, including two sides; (c) a plurality of projections formed on the cassette cover; and (d) means for removably mounting the reel leaf spring relative to the area of the cassette cover, wherein the plurality of projections includes: a pair of diagonally opposed ramps and an opposing pair of walls, and wherein the removably mounting means includes: a receptacle formed on each wall for receiving the sides of the leaf spring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 23 words
The combination recited in claim 1, further comprising: means for centering the reel leaf spring relative to the area of the cassette cover.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1994-01-21 1994-07-23 1995-01-22 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1998-01-21 1998-07-23 1999-01-22 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2002-01-21 2002-07-23 2003-01-22 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag