CARTRIDGE STORAGE CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cartridge storage container for containing flat tape cartridges with electromagnetic tapes wound on reels therein.

2. Description of Related Art

Typically, it is general in an ordinary shipping process of, or in workplaces for, collective packages of one-reel type magnetic tape cartridges to secure protection of the magnetic tape cartridges against impulsive force by filling a cardboard packaging box 105 with a certain number of the tape cartridges 101 individually put in protective cases 103, respectively, as shown in FIG. 22. An issue on convenience of handling the collective package with the tape cartridges 101 contained in the cardboard packaging box 105 is that the cardboard packaging box 5 has to be opened in order to check as to whether there is any of the tape cartridges 101 and/or the type of the tape cartridges 101. Further, if the cardboard packaging box 105 is bedewed with water, the cardboard packaging box 105 possibly be damaged due to absorption of water and the tape cartridges 101, and magnetic tapes in the tape cartridges 101 at its worst, are bedewed with water.

There are known various transparent plastic cartridge storage containers with the intention of eliminating these problems. One of such plastic cartridge storage containers is offered commercially under the name of “LTO Ultrium L-pack” by TDK Corporation such as shown in FIG. 23. As this cartridge storage container 1, which employs a shock-resistant design and is free from strength reduction due to exposure to water, contains tape cartridges in an erect posture in bulk the cartridge storage container 1 is conveniently used to retain even leftover tape cartridges in a stable posture during handling. However, the cartridge storage container 1 having a peripheral flange 11 is so designed that the cartridge storage container 1 is put in a cardboard packaging box with the peripheral flange 11 in contact with an inner wall of the cardboard packaging box in order to occupy as little box interior space as possible. When tearing the cardboard packaging box open and then to take out the cartridge storage container 1, it is troublesome to lay hands on the cartridge storage container 1 because there is no clearance between the cartridge storage container 1 and the inner wall of the cardboard packaging box. If trying to wedge fingers, the packaging operator possibly injures his fingers with an edge of the cartridge storage container 1. Further, because the cartridge storage container 1 has ribs 5 which divide the interior into individual retention chambers 3 for retaining tape cartridges erected individually, it is unavoidable to put the tape cartridges within the individual retention chambers 3 one by one. Therefore, the cartridge storage container 1 is inconvenient when packaging a large number of tape cartridges therein.

Another recording medium storage case is disclosed in Publication of Japanese patent application P2000-191079A. As shown in FIG. 24, this storage case comprises a case body portion 150 provided with three recessed storage compartments 111 for receiving recording mediums lying on their sides therein and binding holes 120 for binding the case body portion 150 in a file, and a lid portion 130 for covering the recessed storage compartments 111. The lid portion 130 is connectable to the case body portion 150 through hinge structure 140 for dust-proofing. At the same time, the case body portion 150 has a finger groove 160 between each adjacent recessed storage compartments 111 for easy access to the recording medium in the recessed storage compartment 111 with fingers. The finger groove 160 dispossesses the recessed storage compartment 111 of a dustproof property, so that dust, if entering one compartment 111, spreads into adjacent storage compartments 111 through the finger groove 160.

One preferred cartridge storage container is disclosed in Publication of Japanese patent application P2007-204077A by the same inventor of this application. In the P2007-204077A publication there is disclosed a magnetic cartridge storage container for collective packaging. The magnetic cartridge storage container employs a dust-free, superb shock-resistant design, it prevents tape cartridges stored therein from gathering and being damaged and is, at the same time, responsible for improved portability and increased transport efficiency. However, while the cartridge storage container is suitable for collective packaging of a plurality of tape cartridges, it is hard to securely pack the cartridge storage container with few or several tape cartridges because the cartridge storage container is not expected to be packed with tape cartridges in bulk and is accordingly provided with clearance between the storage compartment and the inner wall of the container. Furthermore, because the cartridge storage container is vacuum formed as a single-piece product from a suitable thermoplastic material, it is susceptible to dimensional variations due to, in particular, generation of clearance between the storage compartment and tape cartridges put in the storage compartment. Such clearance allows the tape cartridges to jolt and rub against one another during shipping and in workplaces and, as a result leads to a chance of damages. Generally, a moisture content in the storage compartment is one of significant risk factors contributing to deterioration in property of a recording medium such as a magnetic tape in the tape cartridge. If the storage compartment with tape cartridges is left in a humid environment for a long term, the recording medium possibly gets unusable due to corrosion.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge storage container for storing a plurality of generally low-profile, flat tape cartridges individually in bulk and/or collectively in one bundle, which is user-friendly and facilitates secured and scratch-resistant storage of tape cartridges

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cartridge storage container for storing a plurality of generally low-profile, flat tape cartridges which prevents magnetic tapes in tape cartridges from decaying due to moisture even if the tape cartridges are left in the cartridge storage container for a long period of time in a high humid environment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cartridge storage container for storing a plurality of generally low-profile, flat tape cartridges which prevents tape cartridges therein from jolting and rubbing against one another so as to keep tape cartridges unscratched.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cartridge storage container for packing generally rectangular-shaped tape cartridges therein. The cartridge storage container is used together with another cartridge storage container identical or substantially identical therewith to form sealed enclosure when the two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together. Specifically, the cartridge storage container of the present invention comprises an open-topped container body forming a recess defined by a peripheral wall and a bottom wall therein and at least one, preferably a plurality of, storage compartment so formed in the recess that the storage compartment stores therein a plurality of tape cartridges arranged side-by-side, individually in bulk and/or collectively in one bundle. The open-topped storage container body is molded as one piece from a thermoplastic resin sheet, preferably transparent, made from, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polypropylene resin or a polystyrene resin.

The storage compartment is subdivided into a plurality of retention chambers for retaining the tape cartridges individually. The retention chamber is defined between shallow grooves formed in the inner wall portions of the container body, each shallow groove being so configured that the tape cartridge is slipped into the retention chamber with vertical edges of opposite ends in slide contact with and retained between the shallow grooves. The retention chamber is provided with a parting strip vertically extending between each adjacent retention chambers so as to isolate the tape cartridges in the adjacent retention chambers from each other and thereby to prevent the tape cartridges from jolting and rubbing against each other.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge storage container for packing generally rectangular-shaped tape cartridges therein. The cartridge storage container is used together with another cartridge storage container identical or substantially identical therewith to form sealed enclosure when the two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together. The cartridge storage container comprises an open-topped container body forming a recess defined by a peripheral wall and a bottom wall therein, at least one, preferably a plurality of, generally rectangular-shaped storage compartment so formed in the recess that the storage compartment stores therein a plurality of said tape cartridges in side-by-side arrangement, individually in bulk or collectively in one bundle, and moisture absorption means disposed in the peripheral wall surrounding the storage compartment, wherein the moisture absorption means absorbs moisture in the closed cartridge storage container when the two mating cartridge storage container are joined together. Specifically, the moisture absorption means comprises a plurality of moisture absorbent sticks each of which comprises a bag and a powdered moisture absorbent, preferably such as a silica gel, a diatomaceous earth, zeolite, sepiolite, charcoal, porous ceramics and polymer polyethylene, contained in the bag and is installed in each of buffer ribs formed in the peripheral wall in the shape of a hollow ridge opening into the recess. The buffer ribs are preferably so configured that they absorb external impulsive force thereon through distortion thereof to prevent. The powdered moisture absorbent contains a color tone changeable substance which changes in color tone to due to moisture absorption.

The cartridge storage container is further provided with interfittable means provided in the peripheral wall. The interfittable means comprising two complementary interfittable elements being symmetrical about an axis of rotation such that, when the cartridge storage container is rotated about the axis of rotation into an inverse, confronting orientation to the other cartridge storage container, the complementary interfittable elements of the two cartridge storage containers interfit and frictionally interengage one another to form sealed enclosure. Otherwise, the complementary interfittable elements may be replaced with fusible elements provided in the peripheral wall which are disposed symmetrically about an axis of rotation such that, when the cartridge storage container is rotated about the axis of rotation into an inverse, confronting orientation to the other cartridge storage container, the fusible elements of the two cartridge storage containers mate with one another, wherein the mating fusible elements are fusion bonded to one another to form sealed enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will be clearly understood from the following detailed description when reading with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein same or similar parts or structures are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a closed cartridge storage container formed by two mating cartridge storage containers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 2C is an end view of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an interfittable structure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a storage compartment of the cartridge storage container shown in FIG. 1 in which tape cartridges are stored;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative storage compartment with tape cartridge stored therein FIG. 6 is a plan view of a prior art storage compartment with tape cartridge stored therein;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a closed cartridge storage container formed by two mating cartridge storage containers according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternative storage compartment of the cartridge storage container shown in FIG. 7 in which tape cartridges are stored;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the closed cartridge storage container;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the closed cartridge storage container with bundles of tape cartridges stored therein;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of an interfittable structure;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of another interfittable structure;

FIG. 13 an enlarged view of still another interfittable structure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a closed cartridge storage container formed by two mating cartridge storage containers according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a plan view of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 15C is an end view of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative closed cartridge storage container of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a storage compartment;

FIG. 18A is an enlarged perspective view of a finger tab of the cartridge storage container;

FIG. 18B is an enlarged perspective view of the finger tabs of the closed cartridge storage container;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a closed cartridge storage container formed two mating cartridge storage containers according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of a closed cartridge storage container having a handgrip in a cardboard box;

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of the closed cartridge storage container having another handgrip in a cardboard box;

FIG. 22 is a perspective illustration showing a prior art package of tape cartridges in a cardboard box;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a prior art cartridge storage container; and

FIG. 24 is a plan view of another prior art cartridge storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The cartridge storage container according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is so configured that two cartridge storage containers are used as mating components, namely a box or body component and a lid component, interfittable each other to form a closed container in which at least one storage compartment is provided to store tape cartridges therein, individually in bulk and/or collectively in one bundle. The cartridge storage container is provided with a peripheral flange, grippers, finger tabs, partitions and parting strips, and further members or parts as needed. The mating cartridge storage container is preferably so formed by the use of one and the same mold that they are exactly identical in structure with each other. Otherwise, the mating cartridge storage containers may be formed partly differently by the use of different molds and so machined partly that they are interfittable each other. The mating cartridge storage containers are not specifically limited by shape, structure, size and material in so far as they are interfittable such that, when two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, they interfit each other and provide at least one storage compartment for retaining a generally rectangular-shaped flat cartridges therein. The cartridge storage container is preferably shaped low-profile and may be formed as a single-piece product or of a compound type.

The cartridge storage container may take a size according to the number and the volume of storage compartments. Generally, when packing with low-profile flat tape cartridges with a magnetic tape wound on a reel, the cartridge container is preferably so configured that the storage compartment has approximately the same internal volume as one bundle of tape cartridges. The cartridge container is not specifically limited by wall thickness and has a wall thickness preferably in a range of from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and more preferably of 2.5 mm. The cartridge container is apt to be distorted on impact too easily and brings about deterioration in the effect of shock absorption in consequence if the wall thickness less than 1.5 nm and is hardly deformable and, as a result, allows direct transfer of external impulsive force onto the tape cartridges therein if it is over 3.0 mm.

The cartridge storage container is not specifically limited by material so far as the material has a strength sufficiently enough to protect the tape cartridges therein and good formability. Examples of the material include metal, plastic, paper, rubber and the like. Among them, plastics are preferred in terms of transparency, good formability and high impact-resistance. Examples of the metal include metals having high machining performance such as iron, aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel and the like. These metals may be used independently or in combination of two or more. Examples of the plastic include plastics having flexibility, sufficient translucency, good formability and high impact-resistance such as polyethylene terephthalate resins, polypropylene resins, polystyrene resins, polyethylene resins, polycarbonate resins, ABS resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, (meta)acrylic resins, nylon, alkyd resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, fluorocarbon resins, silicone reins and the like. These resins may be used separately or in combination of two or more. Among them, polyethylene terephthalate resins, polypropylene resins and polystyrene resins are preferred in terms of flexibility, ready-availability, collectability after disposition, reusability, easy and low-cost vacuum formability. Further, polystyrene resins are especially recommended in terms of high impact-resistance. In case of using plastics, it is allowed to blend a plastic with fibers such as a glass fiber, a carbon fiber and the like, and/or fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, mica, clay, carbon nanotube, fullerene and the like.

The paper is not specifically limited by type and may be chosen from among known types of paper such as wood paper, recycled paper and the like according to uses of the cartridge storage container. Examples of pulp for the wood pulp paper include hardwood breached kraft pulp (LBKP), softwood breached kraft pulp (NBKP), hardwood breached sulfite pulp (LBSP), softwood breached sulfite pulp (NBSP), grand pulp (GP) and thermo mechanical pulp (TMP). Waste paper for recycled paper are listed in standard specification of waste paper quality established by Paper Recycling Promotion Center. Examples of source waste paper for pulp for the recycled paper include of white superior paper, white ruled paper, cream-white paper, card boards, extra white paper, white medium paper, white paper, simili paper, fair paper, Kent paper, white art paper, news paper, magazine paper and the like. More specifically, used printer paper such as uncoated computer paper, thermal-sensitive paper pressure-sensitive paper, etc.; used OA paper such as copy paper, etc.; used coated paper such as art paper, coated paper, faint coated paper, matted paper, etc.; used uncoated paper such as bond paper, color bond paper, note-book paper, letter paper, wrapping paper, fancy paper, medium quality paper, news paper, rough paper, simili paper, stark white roll paper, milk carton paper, and discarded pieces of paper from printing and bookbinderies, etc.; chemical pulp paper; high yielding pulp contained paper, etc. The used paper may be used independently or in combination of two or more. Examples of the rubber include natural rubber and synthetic rubber.

The cartridge storage container is not specifically limited by molding method and may be made by way of any suitable method. Examples of the molding method, in the case where making the cartridge storage container from plastic materials, include inflation molding, extrusion molding, injection molding, press molding, vacuum molding, blow molding, compression molding, transfer molding, calendar molding, slush molding and the like. The vacuum molding is especially preferred among them. It is especially preferred to draw a sheet of thermoplastic resin of a thickness in a range of from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm by the application of vacuum. On the other hand, in the case where making the cartridge storage container from paper materials, it is preferred to cut paper by way of die cutting, casting or die trimming.

The cartridge storage container is provided with an interfittable structure comprising male and female mating parts so formed that, when the two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, it will mate with the interfittable structure of the other cartridge storage container to form a sealed enclosure, namely a closed cartridge storage container with a waterproof storage compartment for storage of tape cartridges provided therein. The closed cartridge storage container provides a cartridge package proofed against water and floatable on water and, furthermore, shields the tape cartridges therein from dust, moisture, splashes of water and other harmful substances. That is, the cartridge storage container is available in two ways, as a container body and as a container lid. As a result, a closed cartridge storage container is provided by two identical storage containers made from just the same mold.

Particular structural elements of the cartridge storage container will be outlined below.

Storage Compartment

The storage compartment is not specifically limited by number, size and shape of storage compartment formed therein. Specifically, the cartridge storage container has at least one storage compartment, preferably two or more, and more preferably two to 10 and even more preferably two to four. The highly specific number of storage compartments is four. The storage compartment may be designed according to the size, the number and the type of tape cartridges to be stored therein. In the case where the cartridge storage container is used to storage tape cartridges of a type having a generally rectangular-shaped, low-profile cartridge housing in which a tape reel with a magnetic tape is wound around, it is preferred that the storage compartment has substantially the same volume as a specified number of tape cartridges. More specifically, the storage compartment is dimensioned and configured to store a plurality of, preferably two to ten, and more preferably two to four, tape cartridges individually in an erect posture in bulk as well as collectively in one bundle of, preferably two to ten, and more preferably five, tape cartridges. Because the cartridge storage container is formed by drawing a sheet of thermoplastic resin of a thickness in a range of from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, the storage compartment is so flexible in configuration that it is expanded by a shrink package of tape cartridges bundled. The tape cartridges may be protected by shrink-package, individually or collectively.

The storage compartment is defined by a partition wall made of a single piece, or otherwise, of two or more pieces which are integral with the cartridge storage container. The storage compartment is preferably so dimensioned and configured that it receives a plurality of tape cartridges in two ways, namely individually in bulk and collectively in one bundle. In the case where the cartridge storage container has a plurality of the storage compartments, it may be provided with both bulk storage compartments and collective storage compartments mixed therein or with only either ones of them. The cartridge storage container having both bulk storage compartments and collective storage compartments facilitates secured and effective retention of individual tape cartridges even when packaging a large number of tape cartridge even including odd tape cartridges in addition to bundles of tape cartridges without using spacers and/or dummy cartridges or the like.

The storage compartment preferably has a plurality of individual retention chambers for retaining tape cartridges independently from one another. The storage compartment is not specifically limited by the number of individual retention chambers and may have an appropriate number of individual retention chambers chosen according to shape and size of the tape cartridge for storage. Specifically, the storage compartment has preferably two to ten, more preferably four, individual retention chambers. The individual retention chambers are so defined between multi-groove wall surfaces that the tape cartridge is received with its opposite end in slide contact with circular-arcuate shallow grooves along vertical edges. The groove-shaped retention chamber structure facilitate secured retention of tape cartridges without scratching or rubbing them. The cartridge storage container is preferably further provided with parting strips between each adjacent shallow grooves for isolation of tape cartridges the adjacent individual retention chambers from each other. This configuration prevents the tape cartridges in the adjacent individual retention chambers from rubbing against each other during shipping and in workplaces. The trip separator is not specifically limited by shape and size and is preferred so dimensioned and configured as to have no difficulty in a plurality of tape cartridges, in bulk or collectively in one bundle. The composite structure of the individual retention chambers, the multi-groove wall surfaces and the parting strips, facilitate secured retention of tape cartridges individually.

The storage compartment is preferably so dimensioned and configured that it hides or expose the tape cartridge by half (45 to 5%) in height. This storage compartment configuration facilitates taking the tape cartridges out of the cartridge storage container.

Partition Wall

The partition wall is not specifically limited by structure, shape and size so far as it defines at least one storage compartment and is provided with the interfittable structure. The partition wall may take any suitable shape and may be formed in the shape of a cross or a lattice according to the number of storage compartments. The partition wall, which is preferably formed from the same material as, and integrally with, the cartridge storage container, may comprise either a single piece or multiple pieces. The partition wall is preferably provided with splitting mans such as a perforated line along which the cartridge storage container is split into a plurality of individual storage compartments which serve as a compact, self-completed open storage container.

Retention Chamber

The retention chamber is not specifically limited by structure, shape and size and may take any configuration according to the shape and the size of the storage compartment as far as each retention chamber enables the tape cartridge to be securely retained. The retention chamber is preferably formed from the same material as, and integrally with, the cartridge storage container.

Peripheral Flange

The cartridge storage container is provided with a peripheral flange extending outwardly of the outer periphery of the cartridge storage container, entirely or partly. Specifically, the peripheral flange may extend along the whole periphery, opposite end portions or opposite side portions, of the cartridge storage container and is preferably formed integrally with the cartridge storage container. The peripheral flange is not specifically limited by structure, shape, size and material and may take any configuration according to uses of the cartridge storage container.

Handgrip

The cartridge storage container is provided with a handgrip formed in the peripheral flange at each of the opposite end portions thereof. The handgrip is not specifically limited by shape and size and may take any configuration such as a handle formed by a rectangular-shaped opening, or a U-shaped cutout, in the end portion according to uses of d the cartridge storage container. The handgrip formed by a rectangular-shaped opening is so configured that the cartridge storage containers provided is easily lifted and carried in an erect posture by taking a grip on either one of the handgrips or in a laid posture by taking grips on both handgrips. The handgrip formed by a U-shaped cutout is so configured that the cartridge storage container is easily lifted out from a suitably-sized cardboard box for shipment and delivery by holding the handgrips with hands.

Finger Tab

The cartridge storage container is provided with a finger tab projecting from the peripheral flange at a corner. The finger tab is not specifically limited by structure, shape, size and material so far as it is easily clutched with fingers. The finger tab may be in a subround form, a semicircular form, a subelliptical form, a subtriangular form or a squarish form according to uses of the cartridge storage container and is preferably formed from the same material as, and integrally with, the cartridge storage container. Specifically, the finger tab is preferably provided at each of four corners of the peripheral flange which are cut away at 45 degrees and so dimensioned and configured that it is within a space defined by prolongations of edge lines of the peripheral flange. The finger tabs do not form an obstacle to packing and unpacking of the cartridge storage container in a suitably-sized cardboard box for shipping and in workplaces.

Buffer Rib

The cartridge storage container is provided with a plurality of buffer ribs formed as yielding means in a peripheral wall. The buffer ribs are not specifically limited by number, structure, shape, size and material so far as they are located correspondingly to the storage compartment. The number of buffer ribs is preferably one to ten according to a size of the storage compartment, and more preferably two for one storage compartment. The buffer rib is configured in the shape of open-sided flute integrally formed in the peripheral wall. The buffer ribs are so configured that they absorb bend due to external impulsive force applied thereto.

Moisture Absorption Means

The cartridge storage container is provided with moisture absorbent means in the form of sticks installed in the buffer ribs. The moisture absorbent stick comprises a bag and a powdered moisture absorbent in the bag. The moisture absorbent is not specifically limited by type as far as it absorbs moisture when the compartment humidity rises higher than a predetermined level and emits moisture when the compartment humidity declines lower than the predetermined level. The moisture absorbent is preferably chosen from a group of a diatomaceous earth, a silica gel, zeolite, sepiolite, charcoal, porous ceramics and polymer polyethylene. In terms of high moisture absorption rate and high responsiveness of absorption and emission to humidity, it is preferred to employ a diatomaceous earth whose pore size is in a range of from 2 nm to 20 nm. The moisture absorbent preferably contains a color tone changeable substance changing in color tone through moisture absorption. The color tone changeable moisture absorbent may be of a type changeable in color tone in its own property or mixed with a color tone changeable substance. The color tone changeable moisture absorbent stick facilitates distinction of a specified quantity of moisture absorption for replacement with new one.

There are various types available as the color tone changeable substance, for example, a type (1) containing a compound changeable in color tone responding to moisture absorption, a type (2) containing a compound capable of emitting ions responding to moisture absorption and a pH indicator, and a type (3) containing a compound capable of dissolving in moisture and developing a color. A preferred example of the color tone changeable substance of type (1) is a cobalt chloride. A preferred example of the ion-emission compound of type (2) is a slightly alkaline crystal having a pH value between 7 and 12 when ionizing. Examples of the slightly alkaline crystal includes an ammonium carbonate, sodium carbonate and sodium tartrate. Examples of the pH indicator include phenolphthalein and thymol blue. The color developing compound of type (3) includes a dried substance containing a sodium nitrate and a sufanilic acid. The color tone changeable substance is acceptable as far as it changes in color tone in the presence or absence of moisture and preferred to be controllable in a gradient of color tone according to a quantity of moisture absorption. The color tone controllable substance facilitates a visual quantitative evaluation of moisture absorption.

The moisture absorbent is preferably bagged in powder form. The bag is so dimensioned and configured that the moisture absorbent stick is removably installed in the buffer rib and run off partly into the storage compartment. This configuration of the moisture absorbent stick enables to adjust a clearance between the inner wall and a cluster of tape cartridges so as to prevent the tape cartridges from clattering and being damaged. The moisture absorbent stick is not specifically limited by material and may be made from unwoven fabrics, woven fabrics or Japanese paper. Installation of the moisture absorbent stick is preferably reinforced by an adhesive tape or by way of inlay. Further, the bag may be of a refillable type for freshening the moisture absorbent.

In order to enhance moisture controllability, or airtightness, of closed cartridge storage container, the cartridge storage container is preferably so designed that the peripheries of the two mating cartridge storage containers are at least partly interfitted or at least partly fusion bonded. The cartridge storage container is provided with a male-female interfittable structure. Specifically, the male-female interfittable structures of the two mating cartridge storage containers are, generally speaking, symmetrical about an axis of rotation such that when the two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation, it will mate with the other cartridge storage container to form a sealed enclosure, namely a closed cartridge storage container. The interfittable structure, which is of a complementary form, comprises a rib providing a male element and a groove providing a female element separated on opposite sides by the axis of rotation. When the two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, the ribs and the grooves interfit each other to firmly couple the two mating cartridge storage containers. This interfittable structure serves as sealing means and provides an improved waterproof feature to the closed cartridge storage container. Further, the closed cartridge storage container as interfitted protects the storage compartments from dust, moisture, splashes of water and other harmful substances and is floatable on water. On the other hand, the fusion bonding portion may be provided to the cartridge storage container all around the outer periphery such as a peripheral flange. The mating cartridge storage containers fusion bonded all around the overlapped peripheral flanges provide a closed cartridge storage container having a high structural strength and high airtightness and protected from separation due to a strong external shock. The closed cartridge storage container thus formed is favorable from the viewpoint of protection of tape cartridge therein. The fusion bonding is not specifically limited by type and may be worked out by thermal fusion bonding, ultrasonic fusion bonding, laser fusion bonding or heat sealing. Among them, the ultrasonic fusion bonding is especially preferred in the way that a closed cartridge storage container is completed in a short-time of operation without using an adhesive nor an adhesive layer and provided with high bonded strength and high airtightness. The ultrasonic fusion bonding is worked out by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the overlapped peripheral flanges preferably under pressure and fuse-bond them. Specifically, an ultrasonic fuse bonding machine is controlled in used to adjust ultrasonic generation-impression time, a cooling time, horn pressure, etc.

Other Structural Elements

The cartridge storage container may further be provided with a down-turned skirt portion extending half around the peripheral flange. The skirt is so dimensioned and configured that, when the two cartridge storage containers are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, the skirt portions and the peripheral flanges of the two cartridge storage containers would interfit and frictionally engage one another.

The cartridge storage container may further be provided with a male-female stacking structure. Specifically, the male-female stacking structures of the two mating cartridge storage containers symmetrical about the axis of rotation such that, when a closed cartridge storage container is seated on another one, the stacking structures of the two closed cartridge storage containers will interfit and frictionally engage one another. This stacking structures prevent lateral slide of another closed cartridge storage container seated on the closed cartridge storage container and facilitates a secured stuck of a plurality of closed cartridge storage containers.

The storage compartment may further be provided with parting strips at adjoining edges of each adjacent retention chambers. The side parting strips mechanically isolates adjacent tape cartridges 21 from one another, so as to prevent the tape cartridges from hitting one another and, in consequence, getting scratches during packaging and shipping.

The following description is directed to a cartridge storage container according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, which serves as a self-completed open storage container, is used in pair with an exactly the same cartridge storage container so as to provide a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container. Specifically, either one of the two cartridge storage containers is used as a body and the other as a lid.

Referring to the accompanying drawings in detail, and in particular, to FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2C, there is shown a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100 which comprises a case shell made up of two mating case shell halves, namely top and bottom mating case shell halves. These top and bottom mating case shell halves come in two exactly the same cartridge storage containers according to the present invention. Specifically, the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 is made up of two exactly the same cartridge storage containers 23 and 25. The individual cartridge storage container 23, 25 serves as a self-completed open storage container for suitably containing a specified number of low-profile, flat tape cartridges (which are hereinafter referred to as tape cartridge for simplicity) 21 such as a magnetic tape cartridge therein. The individual cartridge storage container 23, 25 is so configured that the tape cartridge 21 is hidden or exposed half (45 to 5%) in height. The storage container configuration facilitates taking the tape cartridges 21 out of the cartridge storage container 23, 25. Either one of the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 is used as a lid component of the closed storage container 100 and the other as a box or body component of the closed storage container 100. The tape cartridge 21 is illustrated as, but not limited to, a square-shaped, low-profile tape cartridge in FIG. 1 and may have a rectangular shape. One of the two cartridge storage containers depicted in an inverse orientation and indicated by a reference numeral 23 is used as a lid component. The cartridge storage container 23 as a lid is seated on and joined to the other indicated by a reference numeral 25 as a body component to provide the closed interlocked cartridge storage container 100 in which a plurality of, for example four in this embodiment, storage compartments 27 are provided.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2C, the cartridge storage container 23, 25 has an integral peripheral flange 31 comprising end flange portions 31e at opposite ends in a direction in which tape cartridges 21 are arranged and stored closely side-by-side in the storage compartment 27 and side flange portions 31s at opposite sides which are in plane with and extend between the opposite end flange portions 31e. The individual end portion 31e has a rectangular opening 33 so that the rectangular openings 33 of the end flange portions 31e of the mating cartridge storage container 23 and 25 provide handgrips at opposite ends of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100. The handgrips facilitate a lift and carrying of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 in an erect posture by grasping either one of the opposite handgrips and in a laid posture by grasping both of the opposite handgrips. Further, the rectangular opening 33 is so configured that, if the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 lifted in an erect posture is accidentally plumped down on a floor or the like with the end flange portion 31e down, the end flange portion 31e is distorted due to weight of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 and the tape cartridges 21 so as thereby to absorb or reduce impulsive force applied to the tape cartridges 21.

Generally speaking, the tape cartridge 21 has a weakness against external impulsive force thereon in an axial direction of a tape reel therein. This is because that, if a tape roll wound around a tape reel causes side weavings, tape edges at the weavings run into, or brush against flanges of the tape reel and bend or are crushed consequently. These bent and/or crushed tape edges hinder smooth winding and rewinding of the tape and disable the tape for recording and reproducing at worst. As against, the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 having the end flange portions 31e serving as effective shock absorber means provides an improved crushproof feature in a direction in which the tape reel is vulnerable to external axial impulsive force.

The individual cartridge storage container 23, 25 has a plurality of end buffer ribs 38, two for each storage compartment 27, formed as a yielding portion in end wall portions We thereof in order to provide a shock absorption feature to the storage compartments 27. More specifically, the end buffer rib 38 is configured in the shape of open-sided hollow ridge formed in the end wall We so as to absorb bend due to external impulsive force thereon through buffering. That is, the end buffer ribs 38 provide air spaces between the end wall portions We and the outermost tape cartridge 21. These air spaces serve as cushioning means and provide an improved crushproof feature to the interlocked cartridge storage container 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 in detail, the cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are provided with male-female interfittable structures which are, generally speaking, symmetrical about the axis of rotation 45 (see FIG. 2A) such that, when the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, it will mate with the bottom cartridge storage container 25 to form a sealed enclosure, namely a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100. Specifically, the interfittable structure extends along the entire length of the periphery of the cartridge storage container 23, 25 and is of a complementary form. The interfittable structure comprises a rib 41, providing a male element, and a groove 43, providing a female element which are separated on opposite sides by an axis of rotation 45. The rib 41 having a box-shaped section projects upwardly from the upper surface of the peripheral flange 31 including the end and the side flange sections 31e and 31s and extends half around the top opening of the cartridge storage container 23. The groove 43 is formed into the peripheral flange 31 in the corresponding configuration to the rib 41 and extends half around the top opening of the cartridge storage container 23. When the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, the rib 41 and the groove 43 of the top cartridge storage container 23 mate complementarily with those of the bottom cartridge storage container 25, respectively, to provide a closed cartridge storage container 100. The interfittable structure serves as sealing means and provides an improved waterproof feature to the interlocked cartridge storage container 100. Further, the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 as interfitted protects the storage compartments 27 from dust, moisture, splashes of water and other harmful substances and is floatable on water.

FIG. 3 shows details of the interfittable structures of the cartridge storage containers 23 and 25. As shown, the rib 41 and the groove 43 of the cartridge storage container 23, 25 are so dimensioned and configured that they sustain persistent fit if fitted once. Specifically, the rid 41 has a rib width W (an end rib width which is equal to a base rib width W2) slightly larger than an aperture width W1 (which is equal to a bottom rib width W3) of the groove 43 so as to evenly fit in the groove 43. As appropriate, the interfittable structures may provide interference fit. In this case, the rid 41 is configured in an inverse tapered shape and has an end rib width W slightly larger than a base rib width W2, and the groove 43 is shaped to have a bottom rib width W3 equal to the end rib width W of the rib 41. The interfittable structure thus configured serves as enhanced sealing means and provides high quality interfitting performance.

The cartridge storage container 23, 25 is provided with a cross-shaped partition wall 47 in the shape of hollow ridge projecting inwardly from the bottom wall thereof. When the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, the cross-shaped partition walls 47 of the top and the bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 are brought into abutment on and mate to each other so as thereby to provide four independent storage compartments 27 in the interior enclosed by the peripheral wall of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100. The cross-shaped partition walls 47 seal and isolate the individual storage compartment 27 tightly from one another, so that the individual storage compartment 27 traps dust accidentally broken therein. As a result dust in one storage compartment 27 is prevented from spreading fully in the interior of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100.

As clearly shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are further provided with male-female stacking structures which are, generally speaking, symmetrical about the axis of rotation 45 such that, when cartridge storage containers 100 are piled on top of another, they will mate with each other so as thereby to prevent the cartridge storage containers 100 from causing relative side displacement and from falling down from getting off balance and turning over consequently. Specifically, the stacking structure comprises a pair of square ribs 53a projecting outwardly from the backside of the bottom wall of the adjacent storage compartments 27 on one side of the axis of rotation 45 and providing a female element and a pair of square ribs 53b projecting outwardly from the backside of the bottom wall of the adjacent storage compartments 27 on another side of the axis of rotation 45 and providing a male element. The ribs 53a and 53b are so configured that, when two cartridge storage containers 100 are piled on top of another, the ribs 53a of the bottom cartridge storage container 25 of one cartridge storage containers 100 frictionally engage with the ribs 53b of the top cartridge storage container 23 of the other cartridge storage containers 100. This stacking structure facilitates a secured e stuck of a number of cartridge storage containers 100.

FIG. 4 shows the cartridge compartment 27 subdivided into a plurality of, four in this embodiment, retention chambers 201 for retaining tape cartridges individually. The cartridge compartment 27 is defined between hollow-ground surfaces formed in the side wall portions Ws. The hollow-ground surface comprises a row of shallow vertical grooves 202 concave to the side wall Ws. The shallow vertical grooves 202 in a row are formed in opposite inner walls of the storage compartment 27 so as to divide the cartridge compartment 27 into four retention chambers 201. That is, the individual retention chamber 201 is defined between opposite shallow grooves 202. The individual retention chamber 201 is so dimensioned and configured that the tape cartridge 21 is slipped into the retention chamber 201 in such a way as to keep slide contact with surfaces of the shallow grooves 202 along vertical edges of opposite ends thereof and retained between said shallow grooves 202. The shallow groove 202 is preferably in the shape of circular-arc. The retention chamber 201 facilitates secured retention of the tape cartridge 21 without scratching the tape cartridges 21. Therefore, the interlocked interlocked cartridge storage container 100 prevents the tape cartridges 21 therein from getting scratches during packaging in a workplace and shipping. The storage compartment 27 may be modified so as to retain and store tape cartridges 21 collectively in one bundle as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative storage compartment 27. As shown, the storage compartment 27 is provided with vertical parting strips 203 extending along each adjoining edges of the vertical grooves 202. The side parting strips 203 prevent adjacent tape cartridges 21 from hitting or rubbing one another, so as thereby to prevent the tape cartridges 21 from getting scratches during packaging and shipping.

FIG. 6 shows a prior art storage compartment 27A similar to the storage compartment 27 shown in FIG. 4. The prior art storage compartment 27A is provided with four independent retention chambers 201 defined by opposite flat walls 201A and vertical angle ribs 201B on the opposite walls so as to be very good match in shape with the tape cartridge 21. According to the prior art storage compartment 27A, the tape cartridge 21 is retained with its both vertical end surfaces in contact with the opposite flat walls, it is comparatively inconvenient to take in and out the tape cartridge 21. Furthermore, it is feared that the tape cartridge 21 get scratches when taken in and out.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 showing the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 comprising cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 used as a lid component and a body component, respectively. The cartridge storage container 23, 25 is basically similar to but different from that of the previous embodiment in that an individual storage compartment 27 is so dimensioned and configured as to receive and retain a plurality of tape cartridges 21 collectively in one bundle or unit as well as a plurality of tape cartridges 21 independently. In this embodiment, five tape cartridges are bundled side-by-side in parallel with one another and handled in one five-cartridge bundle 29, preferably in the form of shrink package. In order to protect a tape egress/ingress slot of the tape cartridge 21 which is mechanically weak from external impulsive force on the tape cartridges 21, it is preferred to lay the tape cartridge 21 with the tape egress/ingress slot put upside and closely to the cross-shaped partition wall 47 in the storage compartment 27.

As shown in FIG. 8, the individual storage compartment 27 is basically the same in structure as that of the previous embodiment and provided with a hollow-ground wall shaped in a row of four vertical grooves 202 concaved to receive and retain the tape cartridges 21 separately therein. However, the cartridge storage container 23, 25 is formed by drawing a sheet of thermoplastic resin of a thickness in a range of from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, it is so flexible in configuration that it is easily expanded by and receive the cartridge bundle 29 in the form of shrink package. Accordingly, the storage compartment 27 receives and retains the cartridge unit 29 in one bundle and, otherwise, one to four cartridges 21 separately. Even if the cartridge unit 29 strongly rubs against the adjoining edges of the vertical grooves 202 at its opposite end surfaces when pushed into the storage compartment 27, the shrink-packaged cartridge unit 29 prevents the tape cartridges 21 from being scratched by the adjoining edges of the vertical grooves 202.

The interlocked cartridge storage container 100, more specifically the cartridge storage container 23, 25, facilitates effective and neat packaging of the tape cartridges 21 of any irregular number less than its specified number, individually and/or collectively and, therefore, brings significantly enhanced convenience.

FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 with the bottom cartridge storage container 25 closed by the top cartridge storage container 23, with tape cartridges 21 empty and stored, respectively. As shown, when the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, the bottom cartridge storage container 25, the cross-shaped partition wall 47 in the shape of a hollow ridge projecting inwardly from the bottoms of the individual cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are brought into abutment on and mate with each other, thereby defining storage compartments 27 at opposite sides thereof. The partition wall provided by the cross-shaped partition wall 47 has no clearance gaps to communicate the interiors of the storage compartments 27 with each other, dust accidentally trapped in any one of the storage compartments 27 is prevented from spreading into the interiors of the remaining storage compartments 27. The cross-shaped partition wall 47 is formed as flexible as bowing or being distorted when the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 is hit by a strong external load, thereby preventing the tape cartridges 21 in the storage compartments 27 from receiving impulsive force through effective shock absorption resulting from the distortion of the cross-shaped partition wall 47.

FIG. 11 shows details of the cross-shaped partition wall 47. As shown, the partition wall 47 of the cartridge storage container 23 and 25 is provided with male-female interfitting structures, respectively, each comprising a rib 145 as a male element and a groove 148 as a female element having exactly the same box-section and integrally formed with the cross-shaped partition wall 47. The interfitting structures of the top and the bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 are symmetrical about an axis of rotation such that, when the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together to form the interlocked cartridge storage container 100, they will mate complementarily with each other. Specifically, the ribs 145 and the groove 148 of the top and the bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 interfit and frictionally interengage one another. The cross-shaped partition wall 47 having the grooves 148 and the ribs 145 cooperate, when inverted, to form the interfitted cross-shaped partition walls which will seal the storage compartments to one another. The partition interfitting structure may be modified in various forms such as shown in, for example, FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative to the partition interfitting structures. As shown, the alternative partition interfitting structures are asymmetrical and comprises a rib 145 formed integrally with a cross-shaped partition wall 47a of either one of the top and the bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 and a groove 146 formed integrally with a cross-shaped partition wall 47b of the other. When the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together to form a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100, the rib 145 and the groove 148 mate complementarily with each other to form the interfitted cross-shaped partition walls which will seal the storage compartments to one another.

FIG. 13 shows another alternative to the interfitting structures. As shown, the alternative interfitting structures are asymmetrical and comprises a pair of ribs 145 formed integrally with a cross-shaped ridge portion wall of either one of the top and the bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 and a pair of grooves 146 formed integrally with a cross-shaped partition wall 47b of the other. When the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together to form a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100, the ribs 145 fit to and frictionally engage with the groove 148, respectively, to form the interfitted cross-shaped partition walls 47 which will seal the storage compartments to one another.

The top and bottom cartridge storage containers having the different partition interfitting structures shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are formed by the use of two different molds. Otherwise, the different partition interfitting structures may be provided by cutting end portions of the partition ridge sections of two exactly the same cartridge storages to form the rib 145 and the groove 146. As appropriate, the rib 145 may be separately prepared and secured to the partition ridge section. * * * * *

The cartridge storage container 23, 25 is preferred to be separable into four individual retention chambers, each including one storage compartment 27, along a splitting line such as a perforated line 151 formed in the cross-shaped partition wall 47 or 47a as shown in FIG. 11 or 13. The individual retention chambers can be available as a compact cartridge storage container for storage of a small number of tape cartridges, collectively or individually.

According to this embodiment, since the storage compartment 27 is so configured as to have a storage capacity as large as one bundle or unit of tape cartridges 21, packing efficiency is significantly improved as compared with the prior art storage containers which require a packing operator to store tape cartridges 21 thereon one by one. As just described, in the case where a plurality of tape cartridges 21 are collectively stored as one unit in the cartridge storage container 23, 25 having the same opening area (adjusted to standard) as the prior art storage container 1 including the peripheral flange 31 shown in FIG. 23 for individual storage of a plurality of tape cartridges 21, the cartridge storage container 23, 25 rests assured of having a redundant portion for storage. This redundant portion functions as a shock-absorber, i.e. a crushable zone, of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100. In other words, it is made possible to provide the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 with the peripheral flange 31 larger in area than the flange 11 of the prior art storage container 1 such as shown in FIG. 23.

FIGS. 14 and 15A to 15C show a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100 according to an alternative embodiment. The interlocked cartridge storage container 100, which is made suitably for storage of a plurality of, for example five in this embodiment, tape cartridges 21 collectively bundled as one unit 29, comprises top and bottom cartridge storage containers 23a and 25a similar to those of the previous embodiment but fundamentally different in that the cartridge storage container 23a, 25a has no retention chambers defined by concave grooves formed in side walls Ws of storage compartments 27 and is provided with moisture absorbent sticks 110. Specifically, the cartridge storage container 23a, 25a is provided with end buffer ribs 38, two for each storage compartment 27, in the end wall portions We thereof; side buffer ribs 35, two for each storage compartment 27, in the side wall portions Ws thereof; and corner buffer ribs 37 at four corners between the end and side walls We and Ws. The buffer ribs 35, 37 and 38 are in the shape of open-sided hollow ridge formed in the walls so as to provide spaces for receiving the moisture absorbent sticks 110 therein. The moisture absorbent sticks 110 are installed in at least the side and the end buffer ribs 35 and 38. The moisture absorbent stick 110 comprises a powdered moisture absorbent in a nonwoven fabric bag. The moisture absorbent is preferably made from, for example, a diatomaceous earth and contains a color changeable substance such as, for example, a cobalt chloride taking on blue in a dry condition and red in a wet condition. The color change from blue to red facilitates recognition that the moisture absorbent has absorbed a generous quantity of moisture and a judgment on replacement of the humidity adjusting stick 110 with new one. The side and end buffer ribs 35 and 38 and the moisture absorbent stick 110 are so configured that the individual moisture absorbent stick 110 protrudes just a little from the hollow buffer rib 35, 38. This configuration is of help to adjustment of a clearance between the inner wall of a storage compartment 27 and tape cartridges 21 stored in the storage compartment 27. As a result, the tape cartridges 21 are prevented from rattling in the storage compartment 27 and getting scratched or damaged.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100 according to another alternative embodiment.

The interlocked cartridge storage container 100 comprises top and bottom cartridge storage containers 23b and 25b similar to those of the previous embodiment but fundamentally different in that the cartridge storage container 23a, 25a has no cross-shaped partition wall 47 and is provided with a rib 39 at each adjacent corners of storage compartments 27 in addition to buffer ribs 35, 37 and 38. The rib 39 is in the shape of open-sided hollow ridge formed in the side walls Ws. The cartridge storage containers 23b, 25b is provided with moisture absorbent sticks 110 installed in all of the buffer ribs 35, 37 and 38 and the rib 39.

The interlocked cartridge storage container 100, which is made suitably for storage of a plurality of, for example five in this embodiment, tape cartridges 21 collectively bundled as one unit 29, comprises top and bottom cartridge storage containers 23a and 25a similar to those of the previous embodiment but fundamentally different in that the cartridge storage container 23a, 25a has no retention chambers defined by concave grooves formed in side walls Ws of storage compartments 27 and is provided with moisture absorbent sticks 110.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show a finger tab 51 which the cartridge storage container 23, 25 is provided with 45-degree cutaway portions 49 at each of four corners of the peripheral flange 31. Generally speaking, the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 with tape cartridges 21 contained therein is packed in a suitably-sized cardboard box for shipment and delivery. The cartridge storage container 23, may be further provided with two finger tabs 51 extending from adjacent cutaway portions 49 of the peripheral flange 31 on opposite sides of the an axis of rotation 45, respectively, as shown in FIG. 2A. The finger tab 51 is formed within a space 50 defined by prolongations of edge lines of the end flange portion 31e and the side flange portion 31s and is so configured that, when the two cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 are disposed in an inverse, confronting orientation and joined together, they overlap each other only partially. That is, either one of the finger tabs 51 is deviated laterally on one side from the center line 61 of the space 60 at one cutaway portion 49, and the other is deviated laterally on another side from the center line of the other cutaway portion at the other cutaway portion 49. The finger tabs 51 partially overlapping are picked up and down, respectively, with fingers to prize the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 open, in other words, to remove the cartridge storage container s 23 and 25 from each another. As and when circumstances permit, the cartridge storage container 23, 25 may be provided with the finger tabs 51 at least one of the cutaway portions 49 of the peripheral flange 31. The finger tabs 51 facilitate transfer of imparted force thereto to the top and bottom cartridge storage container 23, and 25 for removing them from each other, that is, for making the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 open. In other words, it is enabled to interfit the top and bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 with strong force as hard as adamant to detachment if trying to grasp and remove them from each other to open the interlocked cartridge storage container 100.

Referring to FIG. 19, the cartridge storage container 23, 25 is provided with a down-turned skirt portion 81 extending along the peripheral flange 31. Specifically, the down-turned skirt portion 81 turned downward from and extending half around the peripheral edge of either one of halves of the peripheral flange 31 divided along the axis of rotation 45 (see FIG. 2A). The skirt portion 81 is so dimensioned and configured that, the top cartridge storage container 23 is turned upside down and seated on the bottom cartridge storage container 25, the peripheral rims 81 of the cartridge storage containers 23 and 25 would fit to and frictionally engage the peripheral edges of the peripheral flanges 31 of them. This peripheral flange structure provides an enhanced water-proofing property and a dust-proofing property to the interlocked cartridge storage container 100.

FIG. 20 shows a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100 slightly different from that of the above embodiment. As shown, the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 has handgrips provided by rectangular openings 33 of the end flange portions 31e of the top and the bottom cartridge storage container 23 and 25 and, however, has no finger tabs at cutaway portions 49. When lifting the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 out of with tape cartridges 21 packed in a suitably-sized cardboard box 80 for shipment and delivery, the handgrips provide an easy and firm grip by hands for an easy lift of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100. In addition, since the cutaway portions 49 form triangular empty spaces between the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 and the cardboard box 80, the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 in the cardboard box 80 enables an operator to force his fingers into the triangular empty spaces and then to lift the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 with facility.

FIG. 21 shows a closed or interlocked cartridge storage container 100 having a handgrips slightly different from that of the above embodiment. As shown, each of end flange portions 31e of the cartridge storage container 23, 25 has a generally U-shaped opening 33 in the middle. The opening 33 is so configured that end flange portions 31e around the opening 33 serve as a fingerhold. This configuration enables an operator to get a plurality of his fingers caught on each of the end flange portions 31e of the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 in the cardboard box 80 and then to lift the interlocked cartridge storage container 100 with facility.

It is also to be understood that although the present invention has been described with regard to preferred embodiments thereof, various other embodiments and variants may occur to those skilled in the art, which are within the scope and spirit of the invention, and such other embodiments and variants are intended to be closed by the following claims.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2007-247433	Sep 2007	JP	national
2007-248857	Sep 2007	JP	national

CARTRIDGE STORAGE CONTAINER

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CPC

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Priority Claims (2)