Cassette receptacle and storage apparatus

Abstract

A receptacle assembly or album for a cassette is provided which includes a cassette holder and pivotally hinged housing or cover member. The albums are stored and positively supported in a magazine or library designed to receive a plurality of albums in a side-by-side relationship. Each album includes means for conveying a cassette from within said library when an album is opened to facilitate removal of the cassette.

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 71,832, filed Sept. 14, 1970 now abandoned, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of magnetic tape cassettes has increased tremendously in recent years. As a result of the increased number of tape cassettes used, it is increasingly a problem providing adequate means for handling, transporting, and storing tape cassettes. Typically, cassettes are stored in box-like receptacles or albums which can be stored in compartmentalized library apparatus. Generally these devices do not facilitate easy cassette handling or storage, particularly where relatively large numbers of cassettes are in use. In particular, when it is desired to use a cassette it is first necessary to remove the entire cassette receptacle or album assembly from the library compartment. Then it is still necessary to remove the cassette from the cassette receptacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved cassette album for enclosing a magnetic tape cassette.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a cassette storage library from which a magnetic tape cassette can easily be removed.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic tape cassette storage library adaptable for receiving an improved magnetic tape cassette receptacle assembly.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide improved cassette storage library apparatus from which a magnetic tape cassette can readily be inserted or removed.

In accordance with the present invention, a magnetic tape cassette receptacle is provided which comprises a cassette holder and a housing or cover member pivotally mounted thereto.

The cassette albums are stored side-by-side in a magazine or library comprising a plurality of receiving portions or compartments. Means are provided for engaging the albums when inserted within receiving portions so as to allow a cassette to be conveyed to a position outside of at least a part of the library for easy removal or insertion of a cassette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved magnetic tape cassette album in accordance with the present invention, showing the receptacle in the opened position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tape cassette receptacle of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the cassette receptacle of FIG. 1 taken along a direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of the cassette receptacle of FIG. 3 taken along a direction indicated by the arrows.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cassette library storage apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of the library storage apparatus of FIG. 6 taken along a direction indicated by the arrows.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view in a direction indicated by the arrows of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cassette library storage apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the library storage apparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the cassette album of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side view, in section, of the cassette album of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-section of one wall of the cassette album taken in a direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the hinged portion of the cassette album as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cassette album in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view, in section, of the album of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an end view of the cassette album of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a library storage device in accordance to the invention.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the library storage device of FIG. 19 taken along a direction indicated by the arrows.

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the library storage apparatus of FIG. 19 suspended from a horizontal surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate one embodiment of an improved cassette receptacle assembly or album 10 made in accordance with the present invention. The album 10 includes a cassette holder such as a container box 14 for receiving a magnetic tape cassette 12. The cassette 12 encloses a pair of reels or spools 13 between which the magnetic tape passes. A housing structure or cover 16 encloses the open portion of the cassette container box 14. The various structures are preferably molded from plastic, such as polystyrene.

In one embodiment the container box 14 has a generally rectangular shape including a front end wall 18, two side walls 22; and a bottom wall (not shown). Desirably, at least one of the side sections includes a transparent portion 23 which, when the cassette 12 is stored within the container box 14, allows observance of the amount of magnetic tape remaining on the tape spools 13. The top portion 24 of the container box 14 is open to allow the cassette 12 to be inserted therein. The manner by which the cassette 12 is inserted is best seen by reference to the arrow in FIG. 1.

The cassette container box 14 is pivotally mounted to cover 16 about an axis parallel those of the spools 13 when the cassette is inserted therein. The axis extends along the lower corner portion 29 of the cassette container box 14, as best seen by reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. The container box 14 is pivoted on a hinge comprising two hinge axles 32 forming a part of the corner portion 29 of the container box 14.

The cover 16 into which the cassette holder 14 is pivoted, has a generally L-shaped configuration including a top portion 34 and a side portion 35. Perpendicular to the top and side portions 34 and 35 are spaced-apart parallel side members 30. Formed in each of the side panels 30 at the lower end of side portion 35 of the cover 16 are holes 37 for receiving the hinged axles 32 of the cassette container box 14.

When it is desired to place a cassette within the improved cassette receptacle assembly of the present invention, the cassette 12 is placed within the container box 14 as described. The container box 14 is then pivotally rotated from the opened position shown in FIG. 1, in a direction indicated by the arrow, to the closed position of FIG. 2. In this closed position the cover 16 and cassette holder 14 form a rectangular volume generally conforming to the size and shape of an enclosed cassette 12. When it is desired to remove a cassette from the cassette receptacle assembly 10, the container box 14 is pivoted to the opened position and the cassette 12 is easily removed therefrom.

To prevent rotation of the cassette holder 14 beyond 90.degree. from the closed to the opened position, guide channel 36 is provided along the inner surface of the wall 30 of the lower end of side portion 35 of the cover 16. A male member or cam 38 is attached or formed along the corner portion 29 of the container box 14. The guide channel 36 is circular and subtends an angle of 90.degree. . The male member 38 thus prevents the container box 14 from rotating more than 90.degree. from the closed position when it reaches the end of the guide channel 36.

The cassette holder 14 is held in the closed position (FIG. 2) by detent means comprising a pair of protuberances 40 located at the corner diagonally opposite from the hinge 32. These protuberances snap into the respective female sockets 42 located along the inside wall of the upper portion 34 of the housing structure 16.

To facilitate the insertion and removal of the cassette assembly 12 within the housing 14, guide means are provided comprising a guide rib placed on the end wall of the cassette 12, and a female guide slot 45 formed in the front wall 18 of the container box 14.

Each of the side walls 22 includes a recessed portion 47 to facilitate the removal of the cassette 12. The recess 47 has a shape which conforms to a thickened portion 48 of the cassette 12, thereby providing a flush surface when the cassette is within the holder 14.

To maintain the cassette 12 within the cassette holder 14 when the cassette holder is rotated to the open position, restraining means are provided, comprising a leaf spring 46 which is mounted at one end to the bottom of the container box 14 and extends perpendicularly therefrom as shown in FIG. 3. When the cassette 12 is placed within the container box 14 the leaf spring 46 is forced outwardly as shown in FIG. 3. This results in a tangential force about the base of the spring 46 against the cassette 12, shown in phantom.

Alternately, the restraining means (not shown) can comprise a slot in the back wall of the cassette holder, with the side walls 22 biased inwardly slightly. When a cassette is inserted therein the walls are forced outwardly slightly so that a net inward force is applied to the cassette. This inward force keeps the cassette within the cassette holder when the latter is rotated in and out of the closed position.

FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate a cassette storage library 50 utilizing the receptacle assembly 10 described above. The library includes support means such as magazine 52 for storing a plurality of cassettes 12 in side-by-side relationship, with the broad sides of the albums being face to face. The magazine 52 when holding a plurality of individual cassette albums defines a library unit or volume from which, as will be explained, individual cassettes are withdrawn. The particular embodiment shown includes a bottom or floor 54 and a back panel 56. A plurality of parallel, spaced-apart walls or partitions 58 define a plurality of cassette receiving portions or chambers 60.

The receiving chambers 60 are adapted to hold or receive a cassette album. Restraining means are provided to positively secure the cover portion 16 of the receptacle assembly in place when the cassette holder 14 of the cassette assembly 10 is rotated to the open position about the hinged members 32, in the manner described above. As illustrated in FIG. 6, it is thereby possible to rotate the cassette 12 from the storage position to an open position 90.degree. from the storage position, where a user can easily remove the cassette 12 from the container box 14. As described above the retaining leaf spring 46 holds the cassette 12 within the cassette holder 14 when rotated out of the library volume.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 8, the restraining means comprises a series of elongated ribbed male members 62 formed along the length of dividing walls 58 of the magazines 52. A corresponding female slot or guide 64 is formed along the length of the side wall portion 30 of the cover or housing 16. The receptacle assembly 10 is inserted into the magazine 52 in a direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6. With engagement of the ribbed portion 62 and the guide slot 64, the cover 16 is secured and is positively prevented from being moved when the holder is rotated to the open position. The combination of the ribbed portion 62 and the guide slot 64 is oriented in a position perpendicular to that of the direction of force required to begin rotation of the holder 14. When it is desired to remove a cassette from the receptacle 10, all that is necessary is for the user to pivot the cassette holder 14 to the open position in FIG. 6 and the cassette can be readily removed.

To further secure the receptacle assembly 10, and in particular the cover portion 16, biasing means are provided as a part of the magazine 52. A modified leaf spring 66 is formed in the back wall 56 of the magazine by providing parallel slots in the wall 56. Thus, when the cassette receptacle assembly 10 is in position, the curved portion of the modified leaf spring 66 is forced outwardly. This results in a net force against the assembly 10 which resists movement of the receptacle assembly in the vertical direction.

It should be understood that the particular positive restraining means illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8 are only illustrative. Any number of well known equivalent means could be substituted for the rib and slot retaining means shown.

The afore-described cassette album and library storage apparatus can easily be modified so that the housing assembly 16 functions as a cover as well as a magazine assembly. Thus in FIG. 9, each of the individual covers 16 are provided with a dove-tailed slot 70 along one side thereof, and a corresponding dove-tailed rib 72 along the other. Thus, if it is desired to assemble a library of cassette receptacle assemblies, all that is necessary is that the individual assemblies be slid into place along their respective dove-tailed slots and ribs. Alternately, only dove-tailed slots can be provided along the side walls 36 of the housing assemblies 16 and then a third or combining member having a double dove-tailed cross-section could be inserted to hold the receptacles together.

As another modification (not shown), a plurality of housing assemblies 16 are formed in a composite and integral manner to form the magazine 52. In this manner, a plurality of cassettes are stored in a single housing. Of course, in this embodiment, the individual receptacle assemblies cannot be removed as in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 15. The cassette 12 is inserted within a cassette holder member 80 of a different design than the holder 14 of FIG. 1. Holder 80 includes a bottom wall 82 and a perpendicularly extending front wall 84. Front wall 84 includes a slot 86 for receiving a guide rib 44 formed on the cassette 12. Raised portions 90 also aid in guiding the cassette 12 within the holder 80 and also helps to prevent the cassette 12 from falling out of the holder 80.

At the opposite end of the bottom wall 82 from the front wall 84 is support or restraining means such as the perpendicular support member 92. Support member 92 acts to hold the cassette 12 within the holder member 80 and is rotated to the open position as shown in FIG. 10.

The holder 80 is rotatably moved about a hinge 94 in and out of an album cover 96. The cover member 96 includes side walls 98 which, in combination with the holder member 80, define a generally rectangular volume conforming to the size and shape of the cassette 12, when the holder 80 is rotated to the closed position.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 the albums are adaptable for storage in a library arrangement. A support member 100 has a plurality of ribs or guides 102 thereon. A corresponding female or receiving slot 104 is formed in the back panel 106 of the cover member 96. As can be seen in FIG. 14 the slot 104 has a dove-tail cross-sectional configuration. This allows the album to be positively held to the support member 100 when the album is inserted therein as shown in FIG. 11. In this arrangement, there is no way for the album to be dislodged when a cassette holder is rotated to the position in FIG. 10.

In particular the combination of rib 102 and slot 104 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of force necessary to rotate the cassette holder 80 out of the library.

The embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 15 can be implemented by use of a flexible type plastic such as polypropylene. The advantage of such a plastic is that it is flexible and cheaper in construction. Another advantage, is the simplified means by which the hinge 94 can be constructed. FIG. 15 shows the unitary construction of the hinge 94. Where it is desired to construct the hinge 94, the thickness of the wall at that point is reduced to a smaller width 110. This smaller width gives added flexibility to that point of the structure thereby serving as a hinge for the cover member 80.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 18. Album 120 includes a rotatable cover member 122 and a cassette holder 124. The holder 124 includes slots 126 along one end thereof for use when inserted within the library 56 shown in FIG. 6.

Means are provided for conveying or ejecting a cassette 12 from within the holder 124 when the cover member 122 is rotated to the open position. One means for accomplishing this is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. Here a leaf spring 128 is attached at 129 to one end to the back wall of the holder 124. The leaf spring is compressed when the cassette 12 is placed within the member 124 and the cover 122 is rotated to enclose and confine the cassette. When the door or cover 122 is opened, the spring 128 forces the cassette 12 outwardly of the holder 124 as well as out of the library volume, if the album 120 is stored within a library such as the one of FIG. 6.

While all the above embodiments of the improved cassette album of the invention are suitable for storage in, for example, a drawer (without the use of a library storage apparatus) the last embodiment is particularly well suited for that purpose since the cover 122 requires less room to be moved to the open position. This assures, of course, that the album is stored with the cover 122 facing upwards.

Another embodiment 130 of the library storage apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. Guide flanges 132 mounted to the back wall of the library storage apparatus provides positive restraining means for holding the cassette cover in place while the cassette holder is moved to the open position. The flanges engage the guide portions 126 in the cassette cover.

The library storage apparatus 130 is provided with a back flange 134 which can be slidably inserted within a mounting bracket 136. The mounting bracket 136 can, for example, be affixed to any suitable surface, such as a wall.

The library storage apparatus of the present invention is not intended to be limited to removing the cassette cartridge in a particular direction. Thus while in the embodiment of FIG. 19 one would usually mount the library storage apparatus 130 so as to allow vertical removal of the cartridge therefrom. FIG. 21 illustrates that the library storage apparatus 130 can also be mounted for horizontal access.

The afore-described cassette receptacle assembly and library storage apparatus provides a simple but efficient way of storing one or more cassettes. The aforesaid invention permits the user to withdraw a single cassette from a cassette library without disturbing or having to remove other cassettes. Further, as a result of the inter-relationship of the cassette storage receptacle and the library storage apparatus it is possible to remove an individual cassette album without having to remove the cassette itself, thereby providing the user with a convenient way of transporting only a single cassette.

Claims

We claim:

1. A library for storing rectangular cassettes, said cassettes comprising a pair of parallel generally rectangular side walls, edge walls having an aperture therein connecting said side walls closely together to define the shape of a narrow parallelepipedon, a pair of reels mounted between said side walls for rotation about parallel spaced apart axes generally perpendicular to said side walls, and magnetic tape extending between said reels and past said aperture, said library comprising:

a. a plurality of albums comprising

i. a holder for embracing and supporting one of said cassettes, said holder including a receiving portion and defining a cavity for receiving a cassette; and

ii. a cover member for covering at least the receiving portion of said holder with a cassette substantially filling the space in an album;

b. library means for removably supporting a plurality of said cover members of the receptacle assemblies in side-by-side relationship when said albums define a library volume; and

c. hinge means interconnecting the holder and the cover member for conveying a cassette in a plane generally parallel to said narrow parallelepipedon to a position at least partially outside the library volume as said album is opened.

2. A library as in claim 1 wherein said library means comprises a frame and at least one rib and slot along said frame for each album arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of force required to begin rotation of said holder to the open position, whereby said albums may be removed from said library by application of force in a direction perpendicular to the direction of force required to open said album.

3. A library as in claim 1 including means for securing said holder within said library means and wherein said conveying means comprises biasing means associated with said holder for ejecting at least a part of a stored cassette out of said library volume when said cover member is removed from said receiving portion.

4. A library for storing rectangular cassettes, said cassettes comprising a pair of parallel generally rectangular side walls, edge walls having an aperture therein connecting said side walls closely together to define the shape of a narrow parallelepipedon, a pair of reels mounted between said side walls for rotation about parallel spaced apart axes generally perpendicular to said side walls, and magnetic tape extending between said reels and past said aperture, said library comprising:

a rectangular holder for supporting a cassette;

a cover member secured by a hinge to said holder, the combination of said holder and said cover member forming a rectangular volume generally conforming to the shape and size of the cassette when stored therein;

library means including a frame for removably supporting a plurality of said covers together while permitting each of said covers to be removed from said frame without disturbing the connection between the other covers and the frame; and

support means associated with said holder for conveying a cassette outwardly to a position where the cassette can be removed from said holder, when said holder is rotated about said hinge to an open position.

5. Library as in claim 4 wherein said covers are supported by said library means by a rib and groove arrangement aligned perpendicularly to the direction of force required to begin rotation of said holder to an open position.

6. A storage album for a tape cassette comprising

a cover member having a pair of parallel side walls each of which has a long edge and a short edge intersecting at one corner of the album, a top wall connecting the long edges of said side walls, and an end wall connecting the short edges of said side walls with said cover member having at least one exterior slot therein extending parallel to said top wall, and with the space between said side walls being open in directions facing away from said top and end walls,

a cassette holder having a plurality of wall portions for conforming to and holding a cassette in a position generally parallel to said side walls of said cover member,

hinge means connecting said cassette holder to said cover member for pivotal movement between open and closed positions about a pivotal axis generally perpendicular to said side walls of said cover member and located near the end of said short edge remote from said one corner,

whereby a plurality of said albums may be connected together by said slots into a library storage volume, and a cassette in one of said albums may be swung out of said library storage volume by pivoting its cassette holder about its pivotal connection to its cover,

a generally rectangular magnetic tape cassette in said holder with said cassette having a pair of tape reels mounted for rotation about parallel spaced apart axes, a partially open edge along which magnetic tape extends between said reels and at least one lateral surface facing laterally from said partially open side toward a perpendicular edge of said cassette, and

web means providing a support surface on said holder engaging said lateral surface for pulling said cassette out of said cover.

7. A cassette library comprising

a generally L-shaped frame having a back portion and a base portion generally perpendicular to each other,

a plurality of storage albums constructed in accordance with claim 6 positioned adjacent to each other along said frame with the top walls of the cover members of said albums positioned adjacent to said back portion and with the end walls of the cover members of said albums positioned adjacent to said base portions,

a blade extending from said back portion of said frame between each pair of adjacent storage albums with each blade having a pair of opposed flanges extending into the slots in the cover members of said pair of albums.