U.S. patent application number 11/709569 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for protective cartridge case having shock absorbing features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Quantum Corporation. Invention is credited to William E. Faulkner, David T. Hoge, James J. Kuhar.
Application Number | 20080197036 11/709569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39705714 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080197036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoge; David T. ; et
al. |
August 21, 2008 |
Protective cartridge case having shock absorbing features
Abstract
A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge
having at least one reel is provided. The protective cartridge case
includes a housing for enclosing the storage cartridge therein, the
housing including a top portion and a bottom portion having
opposing major inner surfaces in a closed position. A first
absorbing member is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the top
portion and a second absorbing member is disposed adjacent the
inner surface of the bottom portion. The protective case further
including a first absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner
surface of the top portion and a second absorbing member disposed
adjacent the inner surface of the bottom portion for absorbing
forces on the cartridge during a shock event. Additional absorbing
members may be disposed adjacent minor side surfaces of the housing
for cushioning minor side surfaces of the cartridge.
Inventors: |
Hoge; David T.;
(Westminster, CO) ; Faulkner; William E.;
(Broomfield, CO) ; Kuhar; James J.; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
755 PAGE MILL RD
PALO ALTO
CA
94304-1018
US
|
Assignee: |
Quantum Corporation
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
39705714 |
Appl. No.: |
11/709569 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/08 20130101;
G11B 33/0416 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; G11B 23/0233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/403 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/672 20060101
B65D085/672 |
Claims
1. A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge
having at least one reel, the protective cartridge case comprising:
a housing for enclosing a cartridge having a reel disposed therein,
the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion having
opposing major inner surfaces in a closed position; a first
absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner surface of the top
portion; and a second absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner
surface of the bottom portion.
2. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, wherein the first
absorbing member is disposed for opposing a first major surface of
the storage cartridge and the second absorbing member is disposed
for opposing a second major surface of the storage cartridge.
3. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, further comprising a
third absorbing member disposed adjacent a first minor inner
surface of the housing and positioned for opposing at least one
minor surface of the storage cartridge.
4. The protective cartridge case of claim 3, further comprising a
fourth absorbing member disposed adjacent at least one second minor
inner surface of the housing.
5. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, further comprising a
reel support member for engaging the reel of the storage cartridge
within the housing.
6. The protective cartridge case of claim 5, wherein the reel
support member comprises a suspension spring.
7. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, wherein the first and
second absorbing members each include a thickness along a direction
parallel to the axis or rotation of the storage cartridge, the
thickness greater than 0.25 inches.
8. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the first and second absorbing members comprise a foam pad.
9. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the first and second absorbing members comprise a living
spring.
10. The protective cartridge case of claim 1, further comprising a
storage cartridge disposed between the top and bottom portion.
11. A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge
having at least one reel, the protective cartridge case comprising:
a housing for enclosing a storage cartridge having a reel disposed
therein, the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion
having opposing major inner surfaces in a closed position; a first
living spring disposed on the inner surface of the bottom portion,
the living spring for engaging a portion of the storage
cartridge.
12. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising a
second living spring on the inner surface of the bottom portion,
the second living spring for engaging a portion of the storage
cartridge.
13. The protective cartridge case of claim 12, wherein the first
and second living springs are disposed to engage a corner region of
a storage cartridge and suspend at least a portion of the storage
cartridge from the inner surface of the bottom portion.
14. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising
four pairs of living springs disposed on the inner surface of the
bottom portion, each pair for engaging a corner region of the
storage cartridge.
15. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising a
reel support member for engaging a reel of the storage
cartridge.
16. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising a
storage cartridge disposed between the top and bottom portion.
17. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising a
first absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner surface of the
top portion.
18. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising a
second absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner surface of the
bottom portion.
19. The protective cartridge case of claim 11, further comprising a
third absorbing member disposed adjacent a first minor inner
surface of the housing and positioned to oppose at least one minor
surface of the storage cartridge.
20. A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge,
the protective cartridge case comprising: a housing for enclosing a
storage cartridge, the housing including a top portion and a bottom
portion having major surfaces; a first absorbing member disposed
adjacent the major surface of the top portion; and a second
absorbing member disposed adjacent the major surface of the bottom
portion.
21. The protective cartridge case of claim 20, wherein the first
absorbing member is disposed on an exterior surface of the top
portion and the second absorbing member is disposed on an exterior
surface of the bottom portion.
22. The protective cartridge case of claim 20, wherein the first
absorbing member is disposed on an interior surface of the top
portion and the second absorbing member is disposed on an interior
surface of the bottom portion.
23. The protective cartridge case of claim 20, wherein at least one
of the first and second absorbing members are overmolded on a
portion of the housing.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to protective cases for
storage media devices, and more specifically to protective cases
for containing and protecting storage tape cartridges having one or
more reels.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Magnetic tape cartridges have been used to conveniently and
efficiently store and handle magnetic recording media for tape
drives. One type of tape cartridge consists of a substantially
rectangular exterior cartridge housing and a single reel containing
a magnetic tape positioned within the housing. The cartridge
housing includes an upper housing section and a lower housing
section which substantially enclose the magnetic tape, which
includes a cartridge leader. The cartridge leader becomes exposed
through an opening in the cartridge housing during insertion of the
cartridge into the tape drive. The tape drive is then able to
engage and retrieve the tape from the cartridge for recording
and/or playback.
[0005] Such cartridges are generally contained in a cartridge case
or container when they are transported or stored outside of a drive
or storage library. The cartridge case is typically formed of a
rigid plastic material, such as polypropylene or the like, through
a suitable injection molding process. Further, the cartridge case
generally includes a container body and a lid which is connected to
one edge of the container body by way of a thin hinge portion such
that the lid may rotate to open and close the container body. The
lid generally snaps into a closed position, thereby protecting the
housed cartridge from dust and other contamination.
[0006] A conventional cartridge case is described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,304, entitled "Cassette Container." The
cartridge case therein generally includes a container body having a
lid member connected to the container body by way of a hinge to
open and close the container body for housing a cassette or
cartridge therein. Conventional cartridge cases such as that
disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,304, however, provide little
protection to a cartridge therein due to a shock event, such as
being dropped (which may cause damage to the cartridge or media
therein resulting in lost data). Accordingly, a cartridge case
providing greater protection due to shock events is desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect and example the invention, a protective
cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge having at least one
reel is provided. The protective cartridge case includes a housing
for enclosing the storage cartridge therein, the housing including
a top portion and a bottom portion having opposing major inner
surfaces in a closed position.. The protective case further
including a first absorbing member disposed adjacent the inner
surface of the top portion and a second absorbing member disposed
adjacent the inner surface of the bottom portion. In a closed
position the first and second absorbing members are disposed
adjacent major surfaces of a storage cartridge disposed therein for
absorbing shock and providing cushioning to the major surfaces of
the storage cartridge in response to a shock event.
[0008] In some examples, the protective cartridge case may include
additional absorbing members disposed adjacent minor side surfaces
of the housing. The additional absorbing members are further
disposed adjacent minor side surfaces of the storage cartridge and
reduce forces and provide cushioning to the minor side surfaces of
the storage cartridge in response to a shock event. The protective
cartridge case may thereby provide protection to the storage
cartridge along the axis of the reel as well as other directions
(e.g., along the minor side surfaces).
[0009] The absorbing members may include foam, rubber, spring
members, living springs, or other elastic structures and/or
materials. In some examples, absorbing members (e.g., foam) are
attached to the housing via adhesive or a friction fit. In other
examples, absorbing members (e.g., living spring) are comolded or
integrally formed with housing portions.
[0010] According to another example, a protective cartridge case
for housing a storage cartridge includes a housing for enclosing a
tape cartridge having a reel disposed therein, the housing
including a top portion and a bottom portion having opposing major
inner surfaces in a closed position and living springs disposed on
the inner surface of the top or bottom portion, the living springs
for engaging a portion of the storage cartridge and flexing to
provide protection to the storage cartridge (e.g., in response to a
shock event). Additional living springs may be included with the
top and bottom portion with the major inner surfaces or minor side
surfaces thereof to provide protection to a storage cartridge
therein.
[0011] According to another aspect and example of the invention, a
protective cartridge case includes a housing having a top and
bottom portion for enclosing a storage cartridge, the top and
bottom portions having major surfaces that oppose each other along
a vertical direction, and a latch member for selectively securing
the top portion and bottom portion in a closed position, wherein
the latch member secures the top and bottom portion in a closed
position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the
horizontal direction.
[0012] The present invention is better understood upon
consideration of the detailed description below in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
protective cartridge case having absorbing members disposed
therein;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
protective cartridge case with a storage cartridge disposed therein
in a closed position;
[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary absorbing members for a
protective cartridge case;
[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary shell portion of a
protective cartridge case having a body portion and a lid
portion;
[0017] FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate exemplary absorbing members for
use with a protective cartridge case;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary protective cartridge
case having absorbing members disposed therein;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary protective cartridge
case having absorbing members disposed therein; and
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary zero tension latch for a
protective cartridge case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description is presented to enable a person of
ordinary skill in the art to make and use the various aspects and
examples of the inventions. Descriptions of specific materials,
techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various
modifications to the examples described herein will be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general
principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and
applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limiting to the examples described and shown, but is to be accorded
the scope consistent with the appended claims.
[0022] Broadly speaking, and in one example, a protective cartridge
case for housing a storage cartridge having at least one reel is
described. The protective cartridge case includes a housing for
enclosing the storage cartridge therein, the housing including a
top portion and a bottom portion. The protective case further
includes a first absorbing member disposed adjacent a major surface
of the top portion and a second absorbing member disposed adjacent
a major surface of the bottom portion. The absorbing members
provide protection to a storage cartridge (to both the media and
the cartridge housing/mechanics) within the housing during a shock
event, such as being dropped. Absorbing members may be disposed to
protect the storage cartridge along the axis of the reel and
protect the storage cartridge housing on all axes.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
protective cartridge case 10 having absorbing members disposed
therein. Additionally, Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, which is preferably
referenced in combination with FIG. 1, illustrates a
cross-sectional view and exploded views respectively of the
protective cartridge case 10 with a storage cartridge 60 disposed
therein.
[0024] Protective cartridge case 10 generally includes a bottom
portion 12 and a top portion 14 connected through a flexible
portion 31 such that they rotate relative to each other for
selectively enclosing a cartridge 60 therein. The bottom portion 12
and top portion 14 may be secured in a closed position by a latch
member 40, in this instance included with top portion 14 and
adapted for engaging with a catch feature 44 of bottom portion
12.
[0025] Bottom portion 12 and top portion 14 further include major
(as opposed to minor or side surfaces) inner surfaces 13 and 15
respectively. In a closed position, inner surfaces 13 and 15 oppose
each other along a vertical direction 90, where direction 90 is
associated with an axis of rotation of a reel of cartridge 60 when
disposed therebetween. Inner surfaces 13 and 15 are generally
substantially perpendicular to direction 90 and substantially
parallel to each other. Disposed adjacent inner surface 15 of -top
portion 14 and inner surface 13 of bottom portion 12 are absorbing
members 20 and 22. Absorbing members 20 and 22 are disposed
adjacent top and bottom major surfaces 62 of cartridge 60 (see FIG.
2) in a closed position for protecting cartridge 60 (e.g.,
absorbing energy by compressing) in response to a shock event that
results in forces along direction 90.
[0026] Absorbing members 20 and 22 need not physically contact
cartridge 60 when in a closed position. For example, the spacing
between opposing surfaces of absorbing members 20 and 22 along
direction 90 may be slightly larger than the height of cartridge 60
(e.g., the height of cartridge 60 along the length of minor side
surface 64 of cartridge 60). In other examples, however, the
spacing between opposing surfaces of absorbing members 20 and 22 in
a closed position may be equal to or slightly less than the height
of cartridge 60 such that one or both of the absorbing members
compress slightly in a closed position. In yet other examples, a
feature or layer may be disposed between cartridge 60 and one or
both of absorbing members 20 and 22 such that the major surfaces 62
of cartridge 60 are not in physical contact with absorbing members
20 and 22 during a shock event or in a closed position.
[0027] Protective cartridge case 10 further includes absorbing
members 24 disposed with bottom portion 12 and adjacent opposing
minor side surfaces 12s thereof. Absorbing members 24 are disposed,
at least primarily, for absorbing energy in response to a shock
event that results in forces along a direction perpendicular to
direction 90. In this example each absorbing member 24 includes a
central portion for opposing the other absorbing member 24 and
adjacent to minor side surfaces 64 of cartridge 60 disposed
therein. Each absorbing member 24 further includes end portions 26
disposed adjacent the opposing minor side surfaces 64 of cartridge
60 not adjacent the central portion of member 24 to provide
protection for the remaining sides surfaces 64 of cartridge 60.
[0028] Thus, the combination of absorbing members 20, 22, and 24
are configured to cushion cartridge 60 and absorb energy from a
shock event (e.g., from dropping cartridge case 10 containing
cartridge 60) on all sides of cartridge 60 (e.g., the opposing
major surfaces 62 and the four minor side surfaces 64).
[0029] In other examples, the absorbing members may vary in shape
or configuration from that shown. For example, absorbing members
24c shown in FIG. 3C, generally similar to absorbing members 24
without end portions 26, may be disposed around minor inner
surfaces 12s of bottom portion 12 to provide support to minor
surfaces 62 of cartridge 60.
[0030] Additionally or alternatively, in another example, absorbing
members 24d shown in FIG. 3D may be disposed at the corners of
bottom portion 12 to support the minor surfaces 62 of cartridge 60.
Alternatively or additionally, absorbing members (e.g., 24, 24c,
and/or 24d) may be disposed with top portion 14 and disposed for
supporting side surfaces 62 of cartridge 60.
[0031] In this example absorbing members 20 and 22 are
substantially rectangular shaped (see, e.g., FIG. 3A for a more
detailed view); however, other shapes or configurations are
possible and contemplated. For example, multiple absorbing members
may be disposed with each of inner surfaces 13 and 15 for opposing
major surfaces 64 of cartridge 60. Further, in other examples
absorbing members 20 and 22 may have difference shapes, e.g.,
circular, oval, and so on.
[0032] Absorbing members used with cartridge case 10, e.g.,
absorbing members 20, 22, and 24 may include various absorbing
materials such as closed or open cell foam (e.g., manufactured by
Santoprene), rubber, overmolded features (e.g., as detailed with
respect to FIG. 5 below), spring members, leaf springs, living
springs (e.g., as detailed with respect to FIG. 4 below), or other
suitable materials for absorbing shock and protecting a cartridge.
In one example, the absorbing members 20, 22, and 24 include foam
having a thickness of between 0.1 and 1.0 inches, and having a
density between 1.7 and 2.2 lbs/fl.sup.3. Of course, other
thicknesses and densities are possible and contemplated.
[0033] Further, the material, thickness, and spring constant of
absorbing members 20 and 22 may vary from that of absorbing members
24. For example, because of the varying surface area of the
surfaces of a cartridge and the desired protection along particular
directions, the thickness, density, spring constant value, shape,
etc. of absorbing members 24 may vary from that of absorbing
members 20 and 22.
[0034] In one example, bottom portion 12, top portion 14, flexible
portion 31, and latch member 40 are integrally formed of any
suitable material such as polypropylene (with an impact modifier),
polycarbonate, or the like, through well-known injection molding
processes. Additionally, various other features such as column 18
(or living springs described below with respect to FIG. 4) may be
comolded therewith. In other examples, however, various portions
may be made by other processes or made separately and coupled
together.
[0035] Further, the bottom portion 12 and top portion 14 may
include features, e.g., ridges or tabs for engaging absorbing
members in a snap fit, friction fit or otherwise. Additionally,
absorbing members 20 and 22 may be affixed to inner surfaces 13 and
15 via an adhesive. In one example, bottom portion includes
features 18, e.g., columns or pins, for mating with absorbing
member 24 to aid in securing absorbing members 24 in place,
particularly when a cartridge 60 is not present.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary protective cartridge
case 410 having absorbing members disposed therein. Protective
cartridge case 410 is similar to that of protective cartridge case
10, however, in this instance multiple living springs 420a-420e are
disposed with bottom portion 412 adjacent portions of cartridge 60
disposed therein.
[0037] In this example, living springs 420a-420e are disposed
adjacent corners and minor side surfaces 62 of cartridge 60
disposed therein. Although not shown for each corner of cartridge
60, two living springs are positioned with bottom portion 410 at
each corner of cartridge 60. Additionally or alternatively, living
springs may be positioned with top portion 414 in a similar or
complimentary fashion as living springs 420a-d shown with bottom
portion 412.
[0038] Cartridge 60 sits on living springs 420a-420e such that
cartridge 60 is suspended slightly from the interior surface 413.
Living springs 420a-420e flex in response to a shock event to
protective cartridge case 410, thereby providing protecting to
cartridge 60. In this particular example, living springs 420a-420e
are formed as round tapered columns with sufficient flexibility to
flex in response to a shock event. Further, living springs
420a-420e positioned at the corners of cartridge 60 may flex in
response to forces both along the reel axis direction and
perpendicular thereto to provide protection to cartridge 60 along
all directions.
[0039] Living springs 420a-420e may have various other shapes,
e.g., squared column, strip, fin, domed features (e.g., separate or
molded into the sides or top and bottom portions 412, 414), and the
like operable to support cartridge 60 and provide shock absorbent
protection to a cartridge therein. In one example, protective
cartridge case 410 is formed integrally with living springs
420a-420e through conventional injection molding techniques. The
dimensions of living springs 420a-420e may be varied depending on
the particular storage cartridge to be contained therein, the
dimensions of cartridge case 410, flexibility of the material
forming living springs 420a-420e, desired shock protection, and so
on. Additionally, living springs 420a-420e may be solid or hollow
members.
[0040] Additionally, cartridge case 410 may include additional
shock absorbing members disposed with bottom portion 412 and/or top
portion 414. For example, cartridge case 410 may include absorbing
members similar or identical to those shown and described with
respect to FIGS. 1 or FIG. 5 (described below). Additionally or
alternatively, cartridge case 410 may further include living
springs oriented to extend from the minor side surface(s) of
cartridge 60.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary protective cartridge
case 510 having multiple absorbing members 520 and 522 disposed
therein for supporting a cartridge. In particular, in this example,
cartridge case 510 includes absorbing members 520 and 522 disposed
with major inner surfaces 513 and 515 of bottom portion 512 and top
portion 514 respectively for cushioning major surfaces of a
cartridge during a shock event. Absorbing members 520 and 522 in
this example are disposed near the corners of the inner surfaces
513 and 515 and may include various elastic materials such as foam,
rubber, overmolded features, leaf springs, and the like for
providing shock absorbency in a direction substantially parallel to
the axis of rotation of the cartridge reel disposed therein, i.e.,
direction 590.
[0042] In other examples, one or more absorbing members 520 and 522
may be overmolded (or otherwise disposed) on the exterior of the
cartridge housing to provide support. For example, absorbing
members 520 and 522 may be similarly disposed on the exterior
surfaces of bottom portion 512 and bottom portion 514. For example,
with reference to FIG. 6, two exterior members 520e and 522e are
shown. Additionally, absorbing members may be overmolded on the
exterior minor side surfaces of cartridge case 510. Accordingly,
various portions or the entire exterior of cartridge case 510 may
be overmolded (or otherwise disposed) with an elastic material to
provide shock absorbency as described herein.
[0043] Additionally, cartridge case 510 includes absorbing members
530a and 530b for supporting minor surfaces of a cartridge.
Absorbing members 530a and 530b may include living springs as
described with reference to FIG. 4. Absorbing members 530a and 530b
may be comolded with bottom portion 512 and top portion 514
respectively or coupled thereto.
[0044] Additionally, bottom portion 512 includes a reel support
member 524 for supporting or engaging a reel of a cartridge
disposed therein. For example, reel support member 524 may include
a spring for co-locating and supporting the reel of a cartridge
during a shock event, particularly, a shock event along direction
590 (e.g., if dropped on the top or bottom major surface of
cartridge case 510). In one example, reel support member 524 may
include a suspension spring that is snapped into a molded feature
of the bottom portion 512. In other examples, reel support member
524 may include other materials such as the same or similar
materials used for absorbing members 520 or 522.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
latch member 40 for use with protective cartridge case 10.
Protective cartridge case 10 is similar to that of FIG. 1, however
it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
exemplary latch member 40 may be used with various other cartridge
cases including those disclosed herein such as cartridge case 410
or 510.
[0046] Broadly speaking, latch member 40 selectively secures bottom
portion 12 and top portion 14 of cartridge case 10 in a closed
position. Further, latch member 40 operates to secure cartridge
case 10 in a closed position with substantially no tension, e.g.,
under zero-tension when in the closed position. For example, latch
member 40 requires force in a horizontal direction (as shown in
FIG. 6) to close or open latch member 40, in particular, to force
ridge feature 42 of latch member 40 over latch catch feature 44
associated with bottom portion 12. However, latch member 40 is
under substantially zero tension (e.g., zero tension or at least
relatively minimal tension compared to the force required to open
latch 40) in the horizontal direction when latch member 40 is in a
closed position.
[0047] In one example, a force of approximately 4 pounds is
required to release latch member 40 (i.e., force ridge feature 42
over catch feature 44). The tension in the horizontal direction of
latch member 40 (when in a closed position) is substantially less
than the force required to release latch member 40 (in this
example, 4 pounds of force). For example, the tension in the
horizontal direction is less than 1 pound-force in one example,
less than 0.5 pound-force in another example, less than 0.1
pound-force in another example, and zero in another example.
[0048] Additionally, in one example the tension in the vertical
direction is generally a function of the interference fit (e.g.,
compression) of the cartridge therein and the absorbing members 20
and 22. The interference fit may be minimized by designing the
features line-to-line, thereby reducing the vertical tension on the
latch. In one example, the force in the vertical direction is less
than 1 pound-force, less than 0.5 pound-force in another example,
less than 0.1 pound-force in another example, and zero in another
example.
[0049] Reducing or eliminating tension in latch member 40 may be
desirable because tension in latch member 40 may act as a spring
releasing stored energy in a shock or drop event of cartridge case
10. In particular, if latch member 40 is under tension (having
energy stored therein), a shock event may cause the release of
latch member 40 and potentially causing cartridge case 10 to open
(as opposed to latch member 40 merely becoming disengaged). For
example, the force of latch member 44 snapping open, if under
tension, may cause the protective storage case 10 to open and
expose a storage cartridge therein.
[0050] The above detailed description is provided to illustrate
various examples and is not intended to be limiting. It will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous
modification and variations within the scope of the present
invention are possible. For example, various examples described
herein may be combined and altered. Further, numerous other devices
and processes not explicitly described herein may be used with the
exemplary cartridges and locking mechanisms described as will be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally,
within the description, particular examples have been discussed and
how these examples are thought to address certain disadvantages in
related art. This discussion is not meant, however, to restrict the
various examples to methods and/or systems that actually address or
solve the disadvantages. Accordingly, the present invention is
defined by the appended claims and should not be limited by the
description herein.
* * * * *