US3907109A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Container for reeled film or magnetic tape
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1974-04-17
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1994-04-17
Abstract
Abstract A pair of notched and tapered latch keys (12, 12'') projecting from the base (10) of a reel container lock onto the cover (11) which can be removed from the base by squeezing the latch keys together and lifting the cover in one continuous motion. Each of the cover, including a handle (16), and the base, including the latch keys, can be molded as a single plastic piece.
Inventors
- 👤 Fernando Primicerio
- 👤 Vincenzo Rispoli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:29
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/027; G03; G03B; G03B21/00; G03B21/14; G03B21/32; G03B21/321; G03B21/323
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
A reel container comprising a base and a cover, each of which comprises a generally flat sidewall and upstanding inner and outer cylindrical rims which cooperate to provide an annular space for receiving and positioning a reel, the sidewall of the cover having an annular recessed portion within its inner rim and a handle across the diameter of the recessed portion, characterized in that: projecting from and integral with the central portion of the base sidewall are at least a pair of opposed latch keys, the outer surface of each having a notch which mates with a latch plate provided by a central opening in the recessed portion of the cover to latch the cover to the base, the latch keys are resiliently movable toward each other and project beyond the recessed portion of the cover sufficiently to enable one''s fingers to squeeze them together to release the notches from the latch plates, and the handle is box-like and each of its sides is formed with an opening for receiving the portion of one of the latch keys which projects beyond the recessed portion of the cover when the container is closed so that said projecting portions can be squeezed and the cover lifted off the base in one continuous motion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
A reel container comprising a base and a cover, each of which comprises a generally flat sidewall and upstanding inner and outer cylindrical rims which cooperate to provide an annular space for receiving and positioning a reel, the sidewall of the cover having an annular recessed portion within its inner rim and a handle across the diameter of the recessed portion, characterized in that: projecting from and integral with the central portion of the base sidewall are at least a pair of opposed latch keys, the outer surface of each having a notch which mates with a latch plate provided by a central opening in the recessed portion of the cover to latch the cover to the base, the latch keys are resiliently movable toward each other and project beyond the recessed portion of the cover sufficiently to enable one''s fingers to squeeze them together to release the notches from the latch plates, and the handle is box-like and each of its sides is formed with an opening for receiving the portion of one of the latch keys which projects beyond the recessed portion of the cover when the container is closed so that said projecting portions can be squeezed and the cover lifted off the base in one continuous motion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
Container according to claim 1 further characterized in that: a second pair of opposed latch keys projects from the central portion of the base offset 90* with respect to the first pair, the recessed portion of the cover has only two latch plates for receiving either pair of latch keys, and the cover need not be rotated more than 45* from any position to latch it to the base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
Container according to claim 1 further characterized in that: the outer surfaces of the pair or pairs of latch keys are tapered beyond the notches to a spacing less than the breadth of said central opening to facilitate latching the cover to the base.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
Container according to claim 1 further characterized in that: the recessed portion of the cover and the handle are continuous except at said pair of openings in the handle and the opposed latch keys virtually fill said openings when the cover is latched to the base to restrict the flow of air through those openings and the central opening in the base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
Container according to claim 1 further characterized in that: the cover and handle are molded as a single plastic piece.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Container according to claim 1 further characterized in that: the latch keys are molded with the base as a single plastic piece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
Container according to claim 1 further characterized in that: projecting from the center of the base is a stop for limiting the movement of the latch keys.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |