MXPA99011469A - Cartridge holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge holder, comprising a rear part having an inner surface on which a plurality of cartridge holding parts for holding one side part of a cartridge by insertion are installed;a pair of cover parts connected swingably to both side parts of the rear part through a main hinge part;an engaging part and a part to be engaged which are installed at the free ends of each of the pair of cover parts and lock these cover parts in closed condition when these cover parts are rotated in closing direction until they are closed;and a plurality of auxiliary hinge parts formed on the rear part, wherein the rear part is bent in arc shape through the main hinge part, and the plurality of cartridge holding parts, i.e., a plurality of cartridges held by these holding parts are opened in a segment shape so as to separate the upper end parts of these cartridges from each other so that the upper end part of each cartridge can be held easily by fingers, an expansion prevention means is provided so as to prevent the rear part from being extended outward from the rear part by the bend of the rear part, and a cartridge holding rib is provided so as to prevent the cartridges from being dropped out from the cartridge holding part by a shock during the transportation of the holder.

Description

"PORTACARTUCHOS" SPECIFICATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to retainers for retaining a plurality of cartridges, such as flexible magnetic disc cartridges or the like, and more particularly, with retainers of a type that are constructed to hold the cartridges constantly therein and facilitate the cartridges. I work to remove the cartridge from the retainer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In order to clarify the task of the present invention, a conventional cartridge holder will be described with reference to Figures 52 to 57 of the accompanying drawings, which is generally designated by the numeral 101. The cartridge holder 101 is constructed to retain three cartridges of identical magnetic disc 2OYA, 201B and 201C. As best shown in Figure 52, the cartridge holder 101 generally comprises a pair of lid portions 106 and 107, a hinge portion 103 through which the lid portions 106 and 107 are pivotally connected, a portion of the catch 109 formed at a free end of the lid portion 106 and a captured portion 110 formed at a free end of the other lid portion 107. Each of the lid portions 106 and 107 is formed on an inner surface thereof with a cartridge receiving area 108 or 112 for receiving cartridge 201A or 201C therein. The hinge portion 103 is formed on its inner surface with a cartridge holding part 102 for securing a side edge of the cartridge 201B. When the lid portions 106 and 107 are pivoted about the hinge portion 103 toward each other and are intimately placed one on the other, ie, when the box 101 adopts a closed condition, the pick-up and pick-up portions 109 and 110 engage to engage the closed condition of the case 101. The cartridge holder part 102 comprises two pairs of laterally extending parallel shoulders 102a and 102b which are formed on the inner surface of the hinge portion 103, a in order to define between them two aligned slots (without numbers). The width of each groove is essentially equal to the thickness of the cartridge 201B. Meanwhile, the cartridge receiving area 108 or 112 comprises first and second coupling projections 108a and 108b (or 112a and 112b) which are formed in the - lateral ends of the free end portion of the cap portion 106 or 107 and third and fourth coupling pins 108c and 108d (or, 112c and 112d) formed on the lateral ends of the base end portion of the portion of cap 106 or 107. As seen from Figure 53 which is a longitudinal sectional view of the box 101, each of the first and second coupling lugs 108a and 108b (or, 112a and 112b) have a portion below the front of the housing 101. the same a clamping space whose thickness is essentially equal to that of the cartridge 201A. Meanwhile, the third and fourth coupling pins 108c and 108d (or 112c and 112d) are separated from the first and second coupling lugs 108a and 108b (or, 112a and 112b) by a distance corresponding to the lateral length of the cartridge 201A or 201C. In order to place the three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C inside the cartridge holder 101, the following manual work is usually carried out. That is, in the case of the cartridges 201A and 201C, as seen in Figures 52 and 53, each cartridge 2OYA or 201C is pushed on a side edge toward the holding spaces defined by the first and second projections 108a and 108b of the cartridge. coupling (or, 112a and 112b) and then pressing against the inner surface of the lid portion 106 or 107 having the other side edge resiliently engaged with the third and - - fourth coupling pins 108c and 108d (or 112c and 112d). With this, the cartridges 201A and 201C are brought to their retained position in the lid portions 106 and 107. In the case of the central cartridge 201B, as seen in Figure 53, it is pushed on a side edge towards the aligned slots defined by two pairs of parallel shoulders 102a and 102b formed in the hinge portion 103. With this, the central cartridge 201B is retained by the parallel shoulders 102a and 102b while the hinge portion 103 remains with the other lateral edge directed upwards. Then, the two lid portions 106 and 107 are pivoted about the hinge portion 103 toward each other and are closely placed one on the other. With this, the pick-up portion 109 engages the pick-up portion 110 to engage the two lid portions 106 and 107, ie, the cartridge holder 101 in the closed condition. In order to open the cartridge holder 101 and remove the three cartridges 201A, 201B and 201C therefrom, the following manual labor is usually needed. First, a certain force is applied to the pick-up portion 109 with a thumb to release the engaged coupling between pick-up and pick-up portions 109 and 110. Then, the two lid portions 106 and 107 are pivoted towards their open directions, as seen from Figure 54. Then, - the central cartridge 201B pulls out from the two aligned slots of the parallel shoulders 102a and 102b, and then, as seen in Figure 53, the inner lateral edge of the cartridge 201A or 201C rises from the inner surface of the portion of the lid 106 or 107 to disengage from the third and fourth coupling pins 108c and 108d (or, 112c and 112d) and pull outwardly from the retention spaces defined by the first and second coupling lugs 108a and 108b (or , 112a and 112b). However, due to the inherent construction, the conventional cartridge holder 101 mentioned above has the following drawbacks. First, manual labor to remove the cartridges 201A and 201C from the cartridge receiving areas of the cap portions 106 and 107 is difficult or at least annoying. That is, even when the first and second coupling lugs 108a and 108b (or, 112a and 112b) and the third and fourth coupling pins 108c and 108d (or, 112c and 112d) can tightly and securely retain the cartridge 201A or 201C , fail to provide ease with which they can be removed from cartridges 201A and 201C. That is, as seen from Figure 55, when a user wishes to remove the cartridge 201A from the cartridge receiving area of the lid portion 106, he has to pull up the inner side edge of the cartridge 201A with his finger "Fp from the lid portion 201A against a retaining force applied thereto from the third and fourth coupling pins 108c and 108d.However, in this case, it tends to occur that the "F" finger is particularly damaged when the cartridge 201A has been retained tightly and securely by lid portion 106, ie, by the first, second, third and fourth coupling projections and pins 108a, 108b, 108c and 108d.In addition, due to the same reason, it tends to occur that the edge The internal side of the cartridge 201A is damaged Second, due to the nature of the plastic molded part, it is difficult to provide the two aligned grooves defined by two parallel pairs of shoulders 102a and 102b with an appropriate width p to tightly hold the central cartridge 201B. That is, if the width is not properly matched to the thickness of the cartridge 201B, it tends to occur that upon receiving a certain shock under the transport of the cartridge holder 101, the cartridge 201B exits the slots. In this case, the cartridge 201B is forced to play freely in the retainer 101 generating uncomfortable noises. Third, as will be seen from Figure 56, there is a possibility that the side mounted on the shutter of the cartridge 201B is pushed into the slots by mistake.

- - This thrust tends to damage the shutter. Further, as will be seen from Figure 57, if the opposite side of the cartridge 201B, ie, the side opposite the side mounted on the shutter has been pushed towards the slots, the manual work to pull out the cartridge 201B from the slots. it has to be done by pressing and pulling out the side mounted on the shutter of the cartridge 201B with the fingers. Of course, this manual work tends to carry out a possibility of damaging the obturator.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION According to the invention which is defined by Claim 1, there is provided a cartridge holder comprising a back portion which is provided on an inner surface thereof with a plurality of cartridge retaining parts; a pair of lid portions pivotally connected with the opposite sides of the rear portion through respective major hinge portions; a closure means including a pick-up portion that is provided at a free end of one of the lid portions and a pick-up portion that is provided at one free end of the other of the lid portions, the pick-up and pick-up portions positioning in engagement with each other when the lid portions are pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to close the retainer; and a plurality of extra hinge portions defined by the rear portion, each extra hinge portion being provided between each two adjacent pieces of the cartridge holder parts. Accordingly, if the rear portion flexes roundly in the main hinge portions causing a plurality of the cartridges held by the cartridge holder pieces to be able to open like a fan, the upper ends of the cartridges are separated and thus Top ends can be easily handled by a user's fingers. According to the invention defined by Claim 2, there is provided a cartridge holder as defined in Claim 1, wherein the back portion and the pair of lid portions are constructed entirely of a plastic and wherein each of the portions of Main hinge is provided by reducing the thickness of a particular part of the rear portion. Accordingly, the main hinge portions can be easily constructed and in this way the cartridge holder can be provided economically.

In accordance with the invention defined in Claim 3, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 2, in which the thickness of the main hinge portions is smaller than that of the extra hinge portions. Accordingly, due to the provision of the extra hinge portions that are provided between the cartridge holding parts, the handling of the lid portions can be carried out-easily. In accordance with the invention defined by Claim 4, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 2, wherein the thickness of the extra hinge portions increases as the position where the extra hinge portion is placed approaches the center of the rear portion and wherein the thickness of the main hinge portions is the smallest. Therefore, work to flex the back portion is facilitated. According to the invention defined by Claim 5, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 1, wherein the thickness of one of the main hinge portions is greater than that of the other of the main hinge portions.

Accordingly, the opening / closing movement of one of the lid portions is facilitated more than that of the other lid portion. In this way, the movable lid portion can easily be used as a lid and the other lid portion can be used as a proper box. According to the invention which is defined by Claim 6, which provides a cartridge case comprising a back portion that is provided on an inner surface thereof with a plurality of cartridge holding parts, each cartridge holding part is constructed to hold one side of the cartridge; a pair of lid portions pivotally connected with the opposite sides of the rear portion through the respective major hinge portions; a locking or latching means including a pick-up portion that is provided at a free end of the lid portions and a pick-up portion that is provided at one free end of the other of the lid portions, the pick-up and pick-up portions positioning in engagement with each other when the lid portions pivot about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to close the retainer; and cartridge retaining ribs formed in the respective bottom walls of the pair of lid portions, each rib having a stopping edge to stop the cartridge from moving in a direction from the corresponding cartridge holder part. Therefore, even when the cartridge holder is under movement that has vibration and shock applied thereto, it never occurs that the cartridges are released from the cartridge holder parts. According to the invention defined by Claim 7, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 6, wherein each of the cartridge retaining ribs is positioned in such a way that when the lid portions are to assume their closed positions with the cartridge being incorrectly held by the corresponding cartridge holding part in the retainer, an upper end of the cartridge retaining rib abuts against a major surface of the cartridge. Accordingly, in the case where the cartridge is retained in the cartridge holder having its shorter side held by the cartridge holding parts, the closing movement of the lid portion induces a contact of the cartridge retaining ribs of the cartridge. the lid portion with a top or bottom surface of the cartridge, making it known that the cartridge has been placed - - incorrectly in the cartridge holder. In this way, users can observe this incorrect cartridge placement. In accordance with the invention which is defined by Claim 8, a cartridge holder is provided according to Claim 6, wherein each of the cartridge retaining ribs has a seating rib that is positioned in such a manner that when the cap portions assume their closed positions with the cartridge properly installed in the container. the same, the settlement rib places in it a main surface of the cartridge. Accordingly, when the cartridge having its side held by the cartridge holding parts is placed on an inner surface of the lid portion, the other side of the cartridge is placed on the seating rib and thus retained on top of it. of the internal surface of the lid portion maintaining a certain clearance between them. Therefore, the vibration and shock that are applied from the outside of the cartridge holder do not lead directly to the cartridge. In accordance with the invention as defined by Claim 9, a cartridge holder is provided in accordance with Claim 8, in - wherein the thickness of the seating rib is greater than the thickness of a card that is received in the bottom wall of the lid portion, and wherein the thickness of the seating rib is determined in such a manner as to level the cartridge that it has been fastened by the corresponding cartridge holder part. Therefore, when the cartridge holder is placed in a horizontal position, for example on the upper surface of a table or disc, the cartridge retained by the cartridge holder is also retained horizontally, this means that no force is produced that could force the cartridge to leaking from the cartridge holding parts. In addition, the card that is placed on the inner surface of the lid portion can be held without contacting the cartridge. According to the invention which is defined by Claim 10, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 9, in which the seating rib is integrally connected to a lower end of the cartridge retaining rib. Settling and the cartridge retaining rib are integral with each other, the formation of them is carried out easily. In addition, due to the provision of the seating rib, the lower end portion of the cartridge retaining rib is reinforced. In accordance with the invention as defined by Claim 11, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 8, wherein one of the pair of lid portions is provided on its inner side with a retainer at a position near the same. the corresponding main hinge portion to suppress movement of the card towards the main hinge portion. Accordingly, the unwanted phenomenon is prevented where the card moves towards the main hinge portion to decrease the hinge function of the main hinge portion. According to the invention as defined by Claim 12, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 6 wherein the pick-up portion comprises a sear member projecting from the free end of one of the lid portions, and in wherein the portion captured comprises a recess formed in the inner surface of a projection projected from the free end of the other of the cap portions. Accordingly, when the lid portions in pairs close, the pick-up portion and the pick-up portion engage with each other, thereby locking the closed condition of the lid portions. According to the invention that is defined by Claim 13, there is provided a cartridge holder comprising a rear portion provided on an internal surface thereof with a plurality of cartridge holding parts, each cartridge holding part being constructed to hold one side of the cartridge; a pair of lid portions pivotally connected with the opposite sides of the rear portion through the respective major hinge portions; an interlocking means including a pick-up portion that is provided at a free end of one of the lid portions and a pick-up portion that is provided at one free end of the other of the lid portions, the pick-up and pick-up portions positioning in engagement with each other when the lid portions are pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to retain the retainer; a plurality of the extra hinge portions defined by the back portion, each extra hinge portion being provided between, each two adjacent pieces of the cartridge holding parts; and a blister suppression means for suppressing a blistering movement the back portion - when the lid portions are pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to close the retainer. Therefore, the phenomenon of unwanted blistering of the back portion, which would occur when the lid portions in pairs close, is of course impeded. According to the invention defined by Claim 14, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 13, wherein the blister-suppressing means comprises a slack retention rib which is resiliently compressed between two adjacent parts of the blister. the cartridge holding parts when the lid portions are pivoted in the closing direction. Accordingly, due to the provision of the slack retention rib, the clearance between the cartridge holding parts of the rear portion can be maintained greater than a certain value and thus the blistering phenomenon of the blister can be prevented. rear portion. In accordance with the invention as defined by Claim 15, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 13, wherein the blister suppression means comprises a projection formed in one of the cap portion and a holding part. of cartridge; and a recess formed in the other lid portion and the cartridge holding part wherein when the lid portions are pivoted in the closing direction, the projection is brought into engagement with the recess to achieve a tight connection between the parts. same. Accordingly, the unwanted phenomenon of blistering of the back portion, which would occur when the lid portions in pairs close, is of course impeded. According to the invention defined by Claim 16, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 15, wherein the projection is formed on an inner surface of a side wall of the lid portion about the corresponding main hinge portion and wherein the recess is formed at one longitudinal end of the cartridge holding part. Accordingly, the coupling between the projection and the recess is ensured and thus the phenomenon of blistering of the rear portion is safely prevented. In accordance with the invention as defined by Claim 17, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 15, wherein the projection has a spherical head and is formed on an inner surface of a side wall of the lid portion by of the corresponding main hinge portion, and wherein the recess is a slot provided by a longitudinal end of the cartridge holding part. Accordingly, the spherical head can be coupled uniformly with the recess thus safely preventing the blistering phenomenon of the rear portion. In accordance with the invention as defined by Claim 18, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 17, wherein the longitudinal end of the cartridge holding part is formed above the groove with a sloping surface on which it is placed. the projection slides, and where the slot has a mating surface with which the projection is engageable. Accordingly, due to the provision of the inclined surface, the movement of the projection towards the groove is carried out uniformly. According to the invention as defined by Claim 19, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 16, wherein the longitudinal end of the cartridge holding part is formed above the recess with an inclined surface where it slides. the projection Accordingly, due to the provision of the inclined surface, the movement of the projection towards the groove is carried out uniformly. According to the invention which is defined by Claim 20, there is provided a cartridge holder according to Claim 17, wherein the longitudinal end of the cartridge holding part is formed above the groove with an inclined surface where it is Slide the projection. Accordingly, due to the provision of the inclined surface, the movement of the projection towards the groove is carried out uniformly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a plan view of a cartridge holder of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a left side view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment; - Figure 4 is a right side view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment; Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view of the portion indicated by arrow "V" of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the portion indicated by the arrow "V" of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment; Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 1; Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line IX-IX of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a partial and sectional enlarged view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment in an interlocked condition; Figure 11 is an enlarged, partial and sectioned view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment, showing the first and third positioning projections; Figure 12 is an enlarged, partial and sectioned view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment, showing the second and third positioning projections; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the cartridge carrier of the first embodiment with three cartridges retained in this manner; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the cartridge holder of the first embodiment, in a closed and locked condition. Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing an advantage that is provided to the cartridge holder of the first embodiment; Figure 16 is a plan view of a cartridge holder of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is an enlarged plan view of the portion indicated by arrow "XVII" of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an enlarged sectional view of the portion indicated by the arrow "XVII" of Figure 16; Figure 19 is a plan view of a cartridge holder of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a front view of the cartridge carrier of the third embodiment; Figure 21 is a sectional view of the cartridge holder of the third embodiment in a closed and locked condition; Figure 22 is a plan view of the cartridge holder of the third embodiment in a condition 2 - closed, with a cartridge properly retained in the retainer, which is illustrated by a broken line; Figure 23 is an enlarged sectional view of the cartridge holder of the third embodiment, with a cartridge retained therein in an erroneous manner; Figure 24 is a sectional view similar to Figure 5, but showing a cartridge holder of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 25 is a sectional view similar to Figure 6, but showing the cartridge holder of the fourth embodiment; Figure 26 is a plan view of the cartridge holder of the fourth embodiment; Figure 27 is a sectional view of the cartridge holder of the fourth embodiment in a closed and locked condition; Figure 28 is a view similar to Figure 15, but showing an advantage provided to the cartridge carrier of the fourth embodiment; Figure 29 is a perspective view of a cartridge holder of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 30 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow "XXX" of Figure 29; - Figure 31 is a sectional view taken along the line "XXXI-XXXI" of Figure 30; Figure 32 is a sectional view taken along line "XXXII-XXXII" of Figure 30; Figure 33 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow "XXXIII" of Figure 29; Figure 34 is a sectional view taken along line "XXXIV-XXXIV" of Figure 33; Figure 35 is a sectional view taken on line XXXV-XXXV "of Figure 33; Figure 36 is a perspective view of a cartridge holder of a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 37 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by an arrow "XXXVII" of Figure 36; Figure 38 is a sectional view taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII "of Figure 37; Figure 39 is a sectional view taken along line XXXIX-XXXIX" of Figure 37; Figure 40 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow "XXXX" of Figure 36; Figure 41 is a sectional view taken along line XXXXI-XXXXI "of Figure 40. Figure 42 is a sectional view taken along the line" XXXXII-XXXXII "of Figure 40; - Figure 43 is a perspective view of a cartridge holder of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 44 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow "XXXXIV" of Figure 43; Figure 45 is a sectional view taken along line XXXXV-XXXXV "of Figure 44. Figure 46 is a sectional view taken along the line" XXXXVI-XXXXVI "of Figure 44; 47 is a sectional view taken along line XXXXVII-XXXXVII "of Figure 44; Figure 48 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the arrow "XXXXVIII" of Figure 43; Figure 49 is a sectional view taken along the line "XXXXIX - XXXXIX" of Figure 48; Figure 50 is a sectional view taken along the line "XXXXX - XXXXX" of Figure 48; Figure 51 is a sectional view taken on the line XXXXXI-XXXXXI "of Figure 48. Figure 52 is a plan view of a conventional cartridge holder, Figure 53 is a front view of the conventional cartridge holder with cartridges that go to be retained by the retainer; - Figure 54 is a view similar to Figure 53, but showing the cartridges held tightly retained by the retainer; Figure 55 is a view similar to Figure 54, but illustrating a disadvantage possessed by the conventional cartridge holder; Figure 56 is a view illustrating another disadvantage possessed by the conventional cartridge holder; and Figure 57 is a view similar to Figure 56, but illustrating yet another disadvantage possessed by the conventional cartridge holder.

PREFERRED MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1 to 15, particularly to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a cartridge holder 1A of a first embodiment of the present invention, which is made of a molded plastic and which is constructed to retain three flexible magnetic disk cartridges 2AY, 201B and 201C. As can best be seen from Figure 7, the cartridge carrier IA of this embodiment generally comprises a pair of cover portions 6 and 7, a rear portion 3 having on its inner surface, first, second and third parts 2a, 2b and 2c cartridge holder, first and second outer hinge portions 4 and 5 through which the lid portions 6 and 7 are pivotally connected to the rear portion 3, a pick-up portion 8 formed at a free end of the portion 6 of cover and a captured portion 9 formed on a free end of the first lid portion 7. The rear portion 3 has a third internal hinge portion 10 through which the first and second cartridge fastening parts 2a and 2b are pivotally connected and a fourth internal hinge portion 11 through which they are pivotally connected. the second and third cartridge holding parts 2b and 2c. As shown, the first, second, third and fourth hinge portions 4, 5, 10 and 11 extend in parallel. Each of the cartridge holding parts 2a, 2b and 2c comprises a pair of U-shaped projections 21 and 22 which are aligned and positioned to have internal open ends of their respective grooves directed towards each other. Each of the U-shaped projections 21 and 22 comprises two parallel walls and a connection wall by means of which the parallel walls are connected to define the slot. The two parallel walls have on their inner surfaces thrust projections 23 which extend perpendicular to a main surface of the rear portion 3. How I know - - best shown in Figure 5, the thrust humps 23 are alternately placed on the parallel walls and each thrust hump 23 has a semicircular cross-section. It will be noted that each thrust shoulder 23 is tilted such that the degree of projection thereof increases gradually as the position approaches the bottom of the slot. This is because you securely hold the side edge of each cartridge 2OYA, 201B or 201C, as will be evident as the description continues. As seen from Figure 6, each of the first, second, third and fourth hinge portions 4, 5, 10 and 11 is provided by providing the rear portion 3 with a thinner portion 24 having a generally shaped cross section. of "V" as shown. It should be noted that the thickness "TI" of the first hinge portion 4 is essentially the same as that of Figure 2, and the thickness "T2" of the third hinge portion is essentially the same as that of the fourth hinge portion 11 and the thickness "TI" is smaller than the thickness "T2", as shown. This means that the first and second hinge portions 4 and 5 are more flexible than the third and fourth hinge portions 10 and 11.

As will be better seen from Figure 7, each of the lid portions 6 and 7 comprises a rectangular bottom wall 6a or 7a, an upper wall 6b or 7b which is formed at one free end of the lower wall 6a or 7a, and two side walls 6c and 6d (or, 7c and 7d) formed on the laterally opposite ends of the bottom wall 6a or 7a. That is, through the lower wall, the upper wall and the two side walls, each lid portion 6 or 7 defines a rectangular receiver recess for receiving the cartridge 201A or 201C. As seen in Figure 7, an intermediate portion 6e or 7e of the upper wall 6b or 7b of the lid portion 6 or 7 is depressed. With this depression 6e or 7e, a so-called "finger engagement edge" 6f or 7f is defined. That is, when it is necessary to open the cartridge holder IA, a user places his finger on the finger retaining edges 6f and 7f to facilitate the work for opening the retainer IA. As seen from Figures 7 and 8, the top wall 6b of the lid portion 6 is formed with the pick-up portion 8. The pick-up portion 8 comprises two identical sear members 8a and 8b each including a projecting projection upwards from the upper wall 6b and a sear which is formed in the projection and projects outwards.

- As seen from. Figures 7 and 9, the upper wall 7b of the other lid portion 7 is formed with the captured portion 9. The captured portion 9 comprises two identical recessed members 9a and 9b each including a projection projecting upwards from the wall 7b upper and a recess that is formed on the inner surface of the projection. As seen from Figure 10, when the lid portion 6 is properly positioned in the other lid portion 7, the pick-up portion 8 (e.g., detent members 8a and 8b) of the lid portion 6 engages the portion 9 captured (e.g., the recessed members 9a and 9b) of the other lid portion 7. Now it can be seen that when, under this hooked condition, the upper wall 6b of the lid portion 6b is depressed by a certain force, the coupling engaged between the two portions 8 and 9 is canceled, which allows the opening of the cartridge holder. . Referring again to Figure 7, the upper wall 7b of the lid portion 7 is formed with a first pair of positioning projections 31 and 31 and a second pair of positioning projections 32 and 32, and the upper wall 6b of the lid portion 6 is formed with a positioning rib 33. As seen from Figures 11 and 12, when the lid portion 6 is properly placed in - - the other lid portion 7 for closing the cartridge holder 1A, the first projections 31 and 31 abut against the positioning rib 33 and the second projections 32 and 32 are placed between them the positioning rib 33 which ensures the relative positioning between the two 6 and 7 portions of tap. Referring again to Figure 7, each of the lid portions 6 and 7 is formed in a free end portion thereof with a pair of cartridge retaining ribs 34a and 34b (or, 35a and 35b) that they project inwards from the corresponding upper wall 6b or 7b. Each cartridge retaining rib 34a, 34b, 35a or 35b has a sensing edge 34a ', 34b', 35a 'or 35b' against which it faces an outer side edge of the cartridge 201A or 201C when the cartridge is properly received in the cartridge. rectangular receiver recess of lid portion 6 or 7. That is, the cartridge retaining ribs function to securely retain the cartridges 201A and 201C in the rectangular receiving recesses of the portions 6 and 7. Next, the operation of the cartridge carrier ÍA will be described with reference to the drawings. For ease of understanding, the description will begin with respect to the open condition of the cartridge carrier IA, that is, the condition as shown in Figures 7 and 13. As seen from Figure 13, first, the three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C are placed towards the rear portion 3 of the retainer ÍA and the inner side edges of the cartridges are pushed towards the first, second and third cartridge clamping parts 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively . Due to the provision of the thrust pads 23 in the clamping pieces 2a, 2b and 2c, the cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C are hermetically retained by the pieces 2a, 2b and 2c. Then, the two lid portions 6 and 7 are pivoted upwardly around the first and second hinge portions 4 and 5 of the rear portion 3 respectively, so that the lid portions 6 and 7 are placed one on the other. another, as shown in Figure 14. After this, the pick-up portion 8 and the pick-up portion 9 engage in a latched manner. Under this hooked condition, the three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C are hermetically retained in the retainer 1A with their outer side edges constrained by the retaining ribs 34a, 34b, 35a and 35b. To remove the 2OYA, 201B or 201C cartridges from the closed retainer ÍA, the following steps are carried out.

- First, in order to open the retainer IA, the thumbs of the left and right hands of a user are placed in the depressed portions 6e and 7e (see Figure 14) of the upper walls 6b and 7b of the portions 6 and 7 of cap, and then using the left and right thumbs, a certain force is applied to the upper walls 6b and 7b in a direction to separate them away from each other with the depressed portion 6e pressed by the left thumb. With this, the coupling engaged between the catch and pick-up portions 8 and 9 is released and therefore the lid portions 6 and 7 are allowed to pivot about the first and second hinge portions 4 and 5 in a direction to open retainer 1A. With this, the retainer ÍA opens as shown in Figure 15 with the three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C exposed. When now, as shown in Figure 15, the central cartridge 201B is picked up with the fingers of the user, the other two cartridges 201A and 201C are pivoted outwardly due to the function of the first, third, fourth and second portions. of hinge 4, 10, 11 and 5 which are defined by the rear portion 3 so that the other two cartridges 201A and 201C are separated from the central cartridge 20IB. As will be understood from this drawing, under this condition, the handling of all three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C is very easy and therefore the removal thereof from the respective holding portions 2a, 2b and 2c is easily achieved. This is an important advantage that is possessed by the first 1A modality. Referring to Figures 16 to 18, a IB cartridge holder of a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. As seen from Figure 16, the IB cartridge holder of this second embodiment is essentially the same as that IA of the first embodiment with the exception that in the second IB mode, four, ie, the first, second, third and fourth parts of cartridge clamping 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are defined. Due to the addition of the fourth cartridge clamping piece 2d, a fifth hinge portion 12 is defined in the rear portion 3 between the clamping pieces 2c and 2d of the third and fourth cartridge. As seen in Figure 18, in the second embodiment IB, the thickness "ti" of the first and second hinge portions 4 and 5 is smaller than the thickness "T2" of the third and fifth hinge portions 10 and 12 , and the thickness "T2" is smaller than the thickness "T3" of the fourth hinge portion 11. That is, an inequality is established "Tl <T2 <T3".

- Essentially the same advantage is obtained in the first modality 1A mentioned above in this second IB modality. Referring to Figures 19 to 23, a cartridge holder 1C of a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Since the cartridge carrier 1C of this third embodiment is similar in construction to that of IA of the first embodiment mentioned above, only some parts and the construction are different from those of the first embodiment 1A which will be described below. That is, in this third embodiment, the cartridge retaining ribs 34a, 34b, 35a and 35b formed in the cover portions 6 and 7 are improved in construction. As seen from Figure 21, in a closed condition of the cartridge holder 1C, the distance "Ll" between the bottom surface of each cartridge holding part 2a, 2b or 2c and the retaining edge 34a ', 34b', 35a ' or 35b 'of the retaining rib 34a, 34b, 35a or 35b is somewhat larger than the width "L2" of the cartridge 2OYA, 20IB or 201C, but smaller than the length "L3" (see Figure 13) thereof. In addition, the height "Hl" of the cartridge holding part 2a, 2b or 2c (ie the distance between the depth of the groove and the top of the side wall) is greater than the maximum clearance "dl" that is defined between the outer side edge of the cartridge 2OYA, 201B or 201C and the stopping edge 34a ', 34b ', 35a' or 35b 'of the retaining rib 34a, 34b, 35a or 35b. Further, when the retainer 1C adopts the closed condition, the clearance "d2" between the leading end inward of the retaining rib 34a or 34b of the lid portion 6 and that of the retaining rib 35a or 35b of the portion 7 of cap is greater than the thickness "T" of cartridge 201A, 201B or 201C. As can be seen from Figure 21, each retaining rib 34a, 34b, 35a or 35b is formed with a seat groove 36 that functions to hold the outer side edge of cartridge 201A or 201C. The arrangement of the settlement ribs 36 can be easily understood from Figure 7. As seen from Figure 21, the thickness of each settlement rib 36 is greater than the thickness of a card 301 that can be placed in the recess receiving the cartridge of the lid portion 7. Further, the distance "H2" between the outer surface of the lid portion 7 or 6 and the top of the seating rib 36 is equal to the distance "H3" between the outer surface of the lid portion 7 or 6 and the inner surface of the outer wall of the cartridge holding part 2c or 2a. The stopping devices 37 and 37 are formed in the cartridge receiving recess of the cap portion 7 near the cartridge holder part 2c to suppress movement of the card 301 towards the hinge portion 5. In this mode 1C, the card 301 must be placed in the cartridge receiving recess of the lid portion 7 before the three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C are placed in the cartridge holding parts 2a, 2b and 2c. If now, as seen from Figure 23, the cartridge 201C has been erroneously pushed into the cartridge clamping piece 2c, that is, when the side mounted on the cartridge plug 2Q1C has been clamped by the piece 2c, the closure of the lid portions 6 and 7 is not properly carried out. That is to say, this erroneous case, the cartridge 201C may not be neatly placed in the cartridge receiving recess of the lid portion 7 because the outer end thereof is obstructed by the cartridge retaining ribs 35a and 35b as shown. Of course, in this case, the user will see the wrong insertion. Due to the provision of the improved cartridge retaining ribs 34a, 334b, 35a and 35b, the cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C are securely retained in the retainer 1C. That is, even when the retainer 1C receives a shock, the cartridges can be retained in the retainer 1C without disengaging the holding parts 2a, 2b and 2c. Furthermore, if the cartridges are pushed erroneously in the holding parts 2a, 2b and 2c, the user can instantly observe this erroneous insertion. Referring to Figures 24 to 28, an ID card holder of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Since the ID cartridge holder of this embodiment is similar in construction to that IA of the first embodiment, only parts and construction that are different from those of the first embodiment 1A will be described below. That is, in this fourth ID mode, a so-called "blister-suppression means" 41 is also employed which, as seen from Figure 27, suppresses the unwanted blistering movement of the rear portion 3, as shown in FIG. ilsutra by a silhouette line that tends to occur when the lid portions 6 and 7 are placed one on the other to close the ID cartridge holder. As shown well in Figures 24 and 25, the blister suppression means 41 comprises two triangular projections 41 and 41 which are formed integrally on the external surfaces of the parallel walls of the second cartridge or central holding part 2b. . As shown, the triangular projections 41 and 41 project to those internal to the parallel walls of the first and third cartridge clamping parts 2a and 2c. The size "d3" of each projection 41 is determined in such a way that when the ID cartridge holder adopts the open position as shown in Figure 25, the tip of the projection 41 is slightly separated from the internal wall of the corresponding holding part 2a or 2c. When, as seen from Figure 27, the cover portions 6 and 7 are pivoted about the hinge portions 4 and 5 and placed one on the other to close the ID retainer, the tips of the projections 41 of the central cartridge fastening piece 2b are placed to abut the internal walls of the fastening parts 2a and 2c, both maintaining a clearance between the first and second cartridge fastening parts 2a and 2b and a clearance between the second and third cartridge clamping parts 2b and 2c. Due to the clearance maintained in this manner, the rear portion 3 of the ID retainer is prevented from making the unwanted outward movement. As seen from Figure 28, once the ID retainer is opened, the three cartridges 2OYA, 201B and 201C can be easily removed from the holding portions 2a, 2b and 2c for the reason mentioned in the section of FIG. first modality 1A. Referring to Figures 29 to 35, there is shown a cartridge holder 1E of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge holder 1E of this embodiment is essentially the same as the ID cartridge holder of the aforementioned fourth embodiment with the exception that the construction of the blister suppression means 41. That is, in this fifth embodiment 1E, as seen from Figure 29, the blister suppression means 41 comprises two small projections 42a or 42b which are formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls 6c and 6d (or, 7c and 7d) of the lid portion 6 or 7 near the hinge portion 4 or 5, and two small recesses 43a or 43b that are formed on an outer surface of the connecting wall of each "U" shaped projection. 21 or 22 of the central cartridge holder part 2b. Preferably, the small projections 42a and 42b are configured to have spherical tops and small recesses 43a and 43b that are shaped to have the spherical bottom parts.

- When seen from Figures 30 and 33, the cover portions 6 and 7 are pivoted about hinge projections 4 and 5 and placed one on the other to close the retainer 1E, the projections 42a the lid portion 6 is placed in engagement with the recesses 43a of the central cartridge holding portion 2b and at the same time, the projections 42b of the other lid portion 7 are placed in engagement with the recesses 43b of the portion 2b of central cartridge holder. With this, the phenomenon of undesired blistering of the rear portions 3 is suppressed. As seen from Figures 30, 32, 33 and 34, the connecting walls of the aligned "U" shaped projections 21 and 22 of the central cartridge holder part 2b are formed with inclined upper surfaces 43e and 43f for uniform movement of the projections 42a and 42b towards the recesses 43a and 43b. Referring to Figures 36 to 42, there is shown a cartridge holder 1F of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge holder 1F of this embodiment is essentially the same as the cartridge holder 1E of the fifth embodiment mentioned above with the exception of the construction of the ampoule-suppressing means 41.

- That is, in this sixth IF mode, instead of the small recesses 43a and 43b which are used in the fifth mode 1E, 'slots 43c and 43c are provided in the connecting walls of the aligned projections 21 and 22 of the piece 2b. of central cartridge holder. Similar to the fifth embodiment 1E, the projections 42a and 42b are provided by the cover portions 6 and 7 and the inclined upper surfaces 43e and 43f are provided by the connection walls. When, as can be seen in Figures 37 and 40, the lid portions 6 and 7 are pivoted about the hinge portions 4 and 5 and placed one on the other to close the retainer ÍF, the projections 42a and 42b are placed in engagement with the respective grooves 43c to suppress the undesired blistering phenomenon of the rear portions 3. Referring to Figures 43 to 51, a 1G cartridge carrier of a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cartridge holder 1G of this embodiment is essentially the same as the cartridge 1E of the fifth embodiment mentioned above with the exception of the construction of the ampoule-suppressing means 41.

- That is, in this seventh embodiment 1G, the blister suppression means 41 comprises two edge-like portions 42f which are formed at the inner ends of the side walls 6c and 6d (or 7c and 7d) of the lid portions 6 or 7, and slotted structures 43g and 43h that are formed at the laterally opposite ends of the rear portions 3. As seen from Figures 44, 45, 48 and 49 the edge is similar to the projections 42f and 42g each having a dovetail cross section. As seen from Figure 43, each of the grooved structures 43g and 43h comprises three aligned grooves 45a, 45b and 45c which are provided by the respective longitudinal ends of the first, second and third cartridge fastening parts 2a, 2b and 2c. As seen from Figures 44, 46, 47, 48, 50 and 51, each of the aligned slots 45a, 45b and 45c has a dovetail cross section. When seen from Figures 44 and 48, the lid portions 6 and 7 pivot about the hinge portions 4 and 5 and are placed one on the other to close the retainer 1G, the like projections 42f on the edge of the lid portion 6 are placed in engagement with the aligned slots 45a and 45b, and at the same time, the projections similar to the edges 42g of the other lid portion 7 are placed in engagement with the aligned slots 45c and 45b . As seen from Figures 46, 47, 50 and 51, due to the dovetail structure which is possessed by the projections 42f and 42g and the slots 45a, 45b and 45c, the coupling between the projections and the slots is made in a safe way. Therefore, the unwanted blistering phenomenon of the rear portions 3 is suppressed.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS:

1. A cartridge holder comprising: a rear portion that is provided on an inner surface thereof with a plurality of cartridge fastening parts; a pair of lid portions pivotally connected on opposite sides of the rear portion through respective major hinge portions; a locking or latching means including a pick-up portion that is provided at a free end of one of the lid portions and a pick-up portion that is provided at one free end of the other of the lid portions, the pick-up portions and captured are engaged in engagement with each other with the lid portions pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to close the retainer; and a plurality of extra hinge portions defined by the rear portion, each extra hinge portion is provided between each two adjacent pieces of the cartridge holder parts.

A cartridge holder according to claim 1, wherein the back portion and the pair of lid portions are constructed entirely of a plastic and wherein each of the main hinge portions are provided by reducing the thickness of a given piece of the back portion.

3. A cartridge holder according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the main hinge portions is smaller than that of the extra hinge portions.

4. A cartridge holder according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the extra hinge portions increases as the position where the extra hinge portion is placed is closer to the center of the rear portion and where the thickness of the main hinge portions is smaller.

5. A cartridge holder according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of one of the main hinge portions is greater than that of the other of the main hinge portions.

6. A cartridge holder comprising: a rear portion that is provided on an inner surface thereof with a plurality of cartridge holding parts, each cartridge holding part being constructed to hold one side of a cartridge; a pair of lid portions pivotally connected with the opposite sides of the rear portion through respective major hinge portions; an interlocking means including a pick-up portion that is provided to a free end of one of the lid portions and a pick-up portion that provides one free end of the other of the lid portions, the pick-up and pick-up portions being they engage in engagement with each other when the lid portions are pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to retain the retainer; and cartridge retaining ribs formed in the respective bottom walls of the pair of lid portions, each rib having a stopping edge to stop the cartridge from moving in a direction from the corresponding cartridge holder part.

A cartridge holder according to claim 6, wherein each of the cartridge retaining ribs is positioned in such a way that when the lid portions are to assume their closed positions with the cartridge having been incorrectly clamped by the clamping piece of corresponding cartridge in the retainer, an upper end of the cartridge retention rib abuts against a major surface of the cartridge.

A cartridge holder according to claim 6, wherein each of the cartridge retaining ribs has a seating rib that is positioned in such a manner that when the cap portions assume the closed positions with the cartridge properly installed in the cartridges. same, the settlement rib places therein a main surface of the cartridge.

9. A cartridge holder according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of the seating rib is greater than the thickness of a board that is received in the lower wall of the lid portion, and wherein the thickness of the seating rib is determined in such a manner as to level the cartridge that is held by the corresponding cartridge holder part.

10. A cartridge holder according to claim 9, wherein the seating rib is integrally connected to a lower end of the cartridge retaining rib.

A cartridge holder according to claim 8, wherein one of the pair of lid portions is provided on its inner side with at least one stopper at a position near the corresponding main hinge portion to suppress the movement of the card. towards the main hinge portion.

12. A cartridge holder according to claim 6 wherein the pick-up portion comprises a sear member projecting from the free end of one of the lid portions, and wherein the portion captured comprises a recess formed in an inner surface of a projection that is projects from the free end of the other of the lid portions.

13. A cartridge holder comprising: a rear portion that is provided on an inner surface thereof with a plurality of cartridge holding parts, each cartridge holding part being constructed to hold one side of a cartridge; a pair of lid portions pivotally connected on opposite sides of the rear portion through respective major hinge portions; an interlocking means including a pick-up portion that is provided to a free end of one of the lid portions and a pick-up portion that is provided at one free end of the other of the lid portions, the pick-up and pick-up portions they are placed in engagement with one another other than when the lid portions are pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to close the retainer; - - a plurality of extra hinge portions defined by a rear or rear portion, each extra hinge portion is provided between each two adjacent pieces of the cartridge holder parts; and a blister suppression means for suppressing a movement of the rear portion when the lid portions are pivoted about the respective major hinge portions in a direction to close the retainer.

A cartridge holder according to claim 13, wherein the blister suppression means comprises a slack retention rib which is resiliently compressed between two adjacent pieces of the cartridge holding parts when the cap portions move. to pivot in the closing direction.

15. A cartridge holder according to claim 13, wherein the blister suppression means comprises: a projection formed in one of the cover portion and the cartridge holder part; and a recess formed in the other lid portion and the cartridge holding part, wherein the lid portions are pivotally moved in the closing direction, the projection is placed in engagement with the recess to achieve a tight connection between the parts. same.

16. A cartridge holder according to claim 15, wherein the projection is formed on an inner surface of a side wall of the lid portion near the corresponding main hinge portion, and wherein the recess is formed at a longitudinal end. of the cartridge holding part.

17. A cartridge holder according to claim 15, wherein the projection has a spherical head and is formed on an inner surface of a side wall of the cap portion near the corresponding main hinge portion and wherein the recess is a slot provided by a longitudinal end of the cartridge holder part.

18. A cartridge holder according to claim 17, wherein the longitudinal end of the cartridge holding part is formed above the slot with an inclined surface where the projection slides, and wherein the slot has a surface of coupling with which the projection is dockable.

19. A cartridge holder according to claim 16, wherein the longitudinal end of the cartridge holder piece is formed above the - - recess with an inclined surface where the projection slides.

20. A cartridge holder according to claim 17, wherein the longitudinal end of the cartridge holder piece is formed above the slot with an inclined surface where the projection slides. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cartridge holder is shown comprising a rear portion having on an internal surface a plurality of cartridge fastening parts by which one side of the cartridges are held, a pair of cover portions which are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the cartridge. the rear portion through the respective major hinge portions; pick-up and pick-up portions that are provided at the free ends of the lid portions and that lock the lid portions when the lid portions are pivoted to their closed position; and a plurality of extra hinge portions that are defined by the rear portion. By roundly flexing the rear portion in the main hinge portions, the cartridge holding parts, i.e., the cartridges held by these cartridge retaining parts, open like a fan. Therefore, the upper ends of the cartridges are separated thereby facilitating the handling of the upper ends of the cartridges by the fingers of a user. In order to prevent a blistering phenomenon of the rear portion that would occur when the rear portion is fixed in a round manner, a means of suppressing the blistering phenomenon is provided. In order to prevent the removal of the cartridges from the cartridge holding parts that would occur when vibration and shock are applied to them during transport of the retainer, a cartridge retaining rib is provided.