US20070181453A1 - Cartridge accommodating case - Google Patents

Cartridge accommodating case Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070181453A1
US20070181453A1 US11/699,462 US69946207A US2007181453A1 US 20070181453 A1 US20070181453 A1 US 20070181453A1 US 69946207 A US69946207 A US 69946207A US 2007181453 A1 US2007181453 A1 US 2007181453A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
case
cartridge
cartridge accommodating
cartridges
accommodating case
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/699,462
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English (en)
Inventor
Fumihito Imai
Masaki Yukawa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fujifilm Corp
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Fujifilm Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2006020749A external-priority patent/JP2007197074A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2006021174A external-priority patent/JP2007197080A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2006023069A external-priority patent/JP2007204086A/ja
Application filed by Fujifilm Corp filed Critical Fujifilm Corp
Assigned to FUJIFILM CORPORATION reassignment FUJIFILM CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: IMAI, FUMIHITO, YUKAWA, MASAKI
Assigned to FUJIFILM CORPORATION reassignment FUJIFILM CORPORATION TO CORRECT ASSIGNMENT EXECUTION DATE AS PREVIOUSLY FILED ON JANUARY 30, 2007, RECORDED ON REEL 018858, FRAME 0902. Assignors: IMAI, FUMIHITO, YUKAWA, MASAKI
Publication of US20070181453A1 publication Critical patent/US20070181453A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
    • G11B23/023—Containers for magazines or cassettes
    • G11B23/0236—Containers for several cassettes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/321—Both sheets being recessed
    • B65D75/323—Both sheets being recessed and forming several compartments
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0433—Multiple disc containers
    • G11B33/0438—Multiple disc containers for disc cartridges

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cartridge accommodating case for accommodating flat body-shaped cartridges in each of which a reel with a magnetic tape wound therearound is disposed.
  • cartridges 1 are respectively accommodated in cases 3 in cartridge units, and a plurality of such cases 3 are packaged in a corrugated cardboard box 5 to retain cushioning characteristics.
  • the interior of the case 7 is partitioned into a plurality of accommodating spaces 9 for accommodating the individual cartridges 1 by a plurality of partition projections 11 , and the cartridges 1 are respectively stored in these accommodating spaces 9 in cartridge units.
  • the cartridges are dispersedly accommodated.
  • the cartridges 1 are accommodated one by one in the actual accommodating operation, so that there has been a problem in that the ease of use becomes poor particularly in the case where there is a large quantity of cartridges 1 .
  • a collar-like flange 17 is formed around the periphery of the opening of the case 7 , and the flange 17 functions effectively as a structural portion for increasing the rigidity of a case body 19 , particularly the rigidity of the opening.
  • pluralities of unillustrated protruding portions and recessed portions for fitting to counterparts of another case 7 are formed on this flange 17 symmetrically about a case center. As two cases 7 with their flanges 11 opposed to each other are superposed on each other vertically, these protruding portions and recessed portions are engaged to form the accommodating spaces 9 for the cartridges.
  • the rigidity of the flange 17 itself is not very high, although the rigidity of the opening of the case body is increased by the formation of the flange 17 . Consequently, it has been apprehended that if the superposed assembly of the cases 7 is dropped with the cartridges accommodated therein, the flanges 17 would become deformed quite easily and be damaged by the load of the cartridges, which would open the flanges 17 , with the result that the protruding portions and the recessed portions are disengaged to cause the cartridges to jump out from the accommodating spaces 9 and to be damaged.
  • case 7 since the case does not have means for absorbing a shock when an object has collided against it from the outside, or it has been dropped, there is a possibility that the case 7 can be broken, or the cartridges 1 can be damaged.
  • the cartridges 1 are generally weak against an impact applied in the axial direction of the reel. This is the problem that because there are cases where the jumping out of the tape has occurred at an end face of the wound tape, and if the tape is crushed or bent as a tape end abuts against a reel flange due to the jumping out of the tape, the smooth taking-up and paying-out of the magnetic tape is hampered, making the read/write impossible in a worst case.
  • FIG. 10 shows the cartridge accommodating case as a prior invention.
  • This cartridge accommodating case 100 becomes openable as an upper case 23 and a lower case 25 , which are of the same structure, are superposed on each other from above and below and engaged with each other.
  • a plurality of (in the drawing, four) partitioned chambers 27 are adapted to be formed therein.
  • Cartridge groups 29 which are each formed into a block by juxtaposing a plurality of (in the drawing, five) cartridges 21 in their thicknesswise direction, are accommodated in the respective partitioned chambers 27 .
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 is comprised of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 of an identical structure, which are each provided with a protruding portion (protrusion) 41 and a recessed portion (recessed groove) 43 which are adapted to engage with counterparts of another case.
  • the protrusion 41 and the recessed groove 43 are formed on the upper side and the lower side, respectively, bilaterally symmetrically about a case center line.
  • the protrusions 41 are fitted into the recessed grooves 43 and are engaged with each other.
  • the partitioned chambers 27 are hermetically closed, so that water resistance can be obtained, and the cartridges 21 can be protected.
  • the accommodating case 100 is so arranged that as partition portions 47 are respectively interposed between adjacent ones of the partitioned chambers 27 in which the cartridge groups 29 are accommodated, even in cases where impacts are applied to the respective cartridge groups 29 due to dropping or the like, the partition portions 47 are adapted to absorb the impacts, so that an impact force due to the inertia of the cartridge groups 29 does not affect the cartridge groups 29 between each other.
  • Each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is constituted by an integrally molded piece of a plastic resin. For this reason, the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 having toughness for reliably protecting the cartridges as well as appropriate impact absorption can be mass produced easily at low cost by using a material which is relatively easy to handle.
  • FIGS. 11A to 11D are diagrams illustrating the procedure of accommodating a plurality of cartridges in the cartridge accommodating case.
  • reference numeral 23 denotes the upper case; 25 , the lower case; C 1 , a first cartridge group to be accommodated in a same partitioned chamber within the cartridge accommodating case; and C 2 , a second cartridge group to be accommodated in a same partitioned chamber within the cartridge accommodating case.
  • FIG. 11B shows a state in which the first cartridge group C 2 and the second cartridge group C 2 are respectively accommodated in the lower case 25 . After this state, the lower case 25 is covered by the upper case 23 .
  • the upper case 23 is a placed on the lower case 25 .
  • FIG. 11D shows the state in which the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 have been integrated, and the first cartridge group and the second cartridge group are respectively accommodated in the separate partitioned chambers within the transparent cartridge accommodating case.
  • At least one partitioned chamber is formed for holding the cartridge group formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges in their thicknesswise direction.
  • the plurality of cartridges superposed and held in their thicknesswise direction can be collectively accommodated in the partitioned chamber, and accommodation can be performed efficiently in a short time, thereby making it possible to substantially improve the efficiency in the accommodating operation.
  • the present invention has been devised in view of the above-described drawback, and its object is to provide a cartridge accommodating case in which even if an impact at the time of such as the dropping of the cartridge accommodating case is applied to the corner portion C with the cartridges accommodated in the cartridge accommodating case, the ridge line of the cartridge is not broken.
  • a cartridge accommodating case comprising: a cartridge accommodating upper case having a partitioned chamber formed therein for holding a cartridge group formed into a block as a plurality of flat body-shaped cartridges, in each of which a reel with a magnetic tape wound therearound is disposed, are juxtaposed in a thicknesswise direction thereof; and a cartridge accommodating lower case having a partitioned chamber of a shape substantially identical to that of the partitioned chamber of the cartridge accommodating upper case, the partitioned chamber of the cartridge accommodating lower case being formed at a position opposing the partitioned chamber of the cartridge accommodating upper case; a partitioned chamber of an expanse which is twice as large as the partitioned chamber being formed in an interior of the cartridge accommodating case by superposing on each other the upper case and the lower case which respectively have a protruding portion and a recessed portion for mutual engagement and are of a same structure, and by engaging the protruding portion and the recessed portion
  • a plurality of partitioned chambers may be formed as the partitioned chamber.
  • a rib which is in partial contact with a side surface of the cartridge is preferably provided in the space portion.
  • a plurality of ribs are preferably provided as the rib.
  • the above-described object of the invention can also be attained by the following construction (second aspect of the invention).
  • the cartridge accommodating case can be constructed by combining the characteristic features of the second aspect of the invention with the characteristic features of the first aspect of the invention.
  • a cartridge accommodating case for accommodating flat body-shaped cartridges in each of which a reel with a magnetic tape wound therearound is disposed, comprising: an upper case; and a lower case, the upper case and the lower case being adapted to be superposed on each other to form at least one partitioned chamber for holding a cartridge group formed into a block by juxtaposing a plurality of cartridges in a thicknesswise direction thereof, wherein a stepped bent portion which covers an outer end of a peripheral edge of one of the upper case and the lower case is formed on an outer end of a peripheral edge of the other one of the upper case and the lower case.
  • this cartridge accommodating case as compared with the case where the plurality of cartridges are dispersedly accommodated in the same accommodation area, by the portion in which the plurality of cartridges are accommodated by being put together in a block, it becomes possible to secure a surplus area which does not contribute to the accommodation, and this surplus area portion can be made use of as an impact absorbing portion (so-called crushable zone). Furthermore, since it is not necessary to accommodate the plurality of cartridges individually in the conventional manner, the plurality of cartridges superposed and held in their thicknesswise direction can be collectively accommodated in the partitioned chambers.
  • the a stepped bent portion formed on the outer end of the peripheral edge of the other one of the upper case and the lower case covers the outer end of the peripheral edge of one of the upper case and the lower case, thereby increasing the rigidity of the peripheral edge of the case.
  • the upper case and the lower case can be formed with an identical structure. Namely, when the upper case and the lower case of the identical structure each having the stepped bent portion formed on the outer end of the peripheral edge on one side are superposed on each other in face-to-face relation, the stepped bent portion provided on the outer end of the peripheral edge on one side of the upper case covers the outer end of the peripheral edge on the other one side of the lower case, while the stepped bent portion provided on the outer end of the peripheral edge on one side of the lower case covers the outer end of the peripheral edge on the other one side of the upper case.
  • each of the upper case and the lower case is constituted by an integrally molded piece of a plastic resin.
  • a high-precision upper case and lower case can be mass produced easily at low cost by using a material which is relatively easily available.
  • the plastic resin is any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene, the material is easily available, and easy and low-cost vacuum molding is possible.
  • the cartridge accommodating case when the upper case and the lower case are engaged with each other, and the partitioned chambers are set in a hermetically closed state, the cartridges accommodated in the partitioned chambers are visible from the outside, so that the state of accommodation of the cartridges in the hermetically closed partitioned chambers can be easily grasped.
  • each of the upper case and the lower case is formed by using a plastic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and subjecting it to drawing.
  • each of the upper case and the lower case is formed by using a plastic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and subjecting it to drawing, the minimum structural strength of the partitioned chambers for accommodating the plurality of cartridge groups can be economically ensured. Further, the overall weight of the case can be set to a minimum while satisfying the minimum strength.
  • the case is formed with the aforementioned thickness, appropriate deformation becomes possible when an external force is applied, thereby making it possible to optimally secure the impact absorbing action with respect to the accommodated cartridges. In other words, if the case is thinner than the aforementioned thickness, the case becomes excessively deformable, so that the impact absorption effect declines.
  • the cartridge accommodating case in accordance with the second aspect of the invention since at least one partitioned chamber is formed for holding the cartridge group formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges in their thicknesswise direction, as compared with the case where the plurality of cartridges are dispersedly accommodated in the same accommodation area, by the portion in which the plurality of cartridges are put together in one block, it becomes possible to secure a surplus area which does not contribute to the accommodation.
  • this surplus area portion as an impact absorbing portion (so-called crushable zone), it is possible to absorb the impact such as at the time of the dropping of the case and improve the impact resistance against the accommodated cartridges.
  • the plurality of cartridges superposed and held in their thicknesswise direction can be collectively accommodated in the partitioned chamber, and accommodation can be performed efficiently in a short time, thereby making it possible to substantially improve the efficiency in the accommodating operation.
  • the stepped bent portion which covers the outer end of the peripheral edge of one of the upper case and the lower case is formed at the outer end of the peripheral edge of the other one of the upper case and the lower case, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the peripheral edge of the case. Even if the cartridge accommodating case is subjected to an impact of the drop, the peripheral edges of the upper case and the lower case are made difficult to open, thereby making it possible to prevent the jumping out of the cartridges.
  • the above-described object of the invention can also be attained by the following construction (third aspect of the invention).
  • the cartridge accommodating case can be constructed by combining the characteristic features of the third aspect of the invention with those of the first aspect and/or the second aspect of the invention.
  • a cartridge accommodating case for accommodating flat body-shaped cartridges in each of which a reel with a magnetic tape wound therearound is disposed, comprising: an upper case; and a lower case, the upper case and the lower case being adapted to be superposed on each other to form at least one partitioned chamber for holding a cartridge group formed into a block by juxtaposing a plurality of cartridges in a thicknesswise direction thereof; and a cushioning rib formed projectingly on at least an outer surface, in a thicknesswise direction of the cartridge, of the partitioned chamber.
  • the cushioning rib is formed projectingly on at least an outer surface, in the thicknesswise direction of the cartridge, of the partitioned chamber, in cases such as when an object has collided against the partitioned chamber from the outside or the cartridge accommodating case has been dropped, the impact can be absorbed by the cushioning rib, making it possible to prevent the breakage of the cartridge accommodating case and suppress damage to the tape itself.
  • the cushioning rib is provided on the entire perimeter.
  • the cushioning ribs are formed projectingly only on the side surfaces of the partitioned chambers which constitute outer side surfaces of the accommodating case.
  • a protruding portion and a recessed groove are formed in advance on each of two cases bilaterally symmetrically about the center line of the case, the protruding portion and the recessed groove being capable of mutually engaging with counterparts of a mating case. If one of these two identical cases is inverted, and the cases are superposed on each other to engage the protruding portion and the recessed portion, it becomes possible to form one accommodating container. Namely, in the configuration of this accommodating case, two cases of an identical structure are used as the upper case and the lower case. One case is used both as a cover and as a part of the body. Thus, by using one kind of cases which have been molded by one mold, the accommodating case can be structured in which the partitioned chambers which are openable by the protruding portions and the recessed grooves are formed.
  • each of the upper case and the lower case is constituted by an integrally molded piece of a plastic resin.
  • a high-precision upper case and lower case can be mass produced easily at low cost by using a material which is relatively easily available.
  • the cushioning ribs do not interfere with each other by virtue of the tapered shapes of the cushioning ribs, so that the empty accommodating cases can be stacked compactly.
  • the plastic resin includes any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
  • the plastic resin is any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene, the material is easily available, and easy and low-cost vacuum molding is possible.
  • the cartridge accommodating case when the upper case and the lower case are engaged with each other, and the partitioned chambers are set in a hermetically closed state, the cartridges accommodated in the partitioned chambers are visible from the outside, so that the state of accommodation of the cartridges in the hermetically closed partitioned chambers can be easily grasped.
  • each of the upper case and the lower case is formed by using a plastic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and subjecting it to drawing.
  • each of the upper case and the lower case is formed by using a plastic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and subjecting it to drawing, the minimum structural strength of the partitioned chambers for accommodating the plurality of cartridge groups can be economically ensured. Further, the overall weight of the case can be set to a minimum while satisfying the minimum strength.
  • the case is formed with the aforementioned thickness, appropriate deformation becomes possible when an external force is applied, thereby making it possible to optimally secure the impact absorbing action with respect to the accommodated cartridges. In other words, if the case is thinner than the aforementioned thickness, the case becomes excessively deformable, so that the impact absorption effect declines.
  • the impact can be absorbed by the cushioning ribs to prevent the breakage of the cartridge accommodating case and damage to the cartridges, thereby making it possible to assure the quality of the cartridges.
  • the cushioning ribs are formed in a tapered shape, after the removal of the cartridges or before the accommodation of the cartridges, in the case where the cases are stacked by turning the upper case of the empty accommodating case upside down, the cushioning ribs do not interfere with each other by virtue of the tapered shapes of the cushioning ribs, so that the empty accommodating cases can be stacked compactly.
  • the plurality of cartridges superposed and held in their thicknesswise direction can be collectively accommodated in the partitioned chamber, and accommodation can be performed efficiently in a short time, thereby making it possible to substantially improve the efficiency in the accommodating operation.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of a cartridge accommodating case having one partitioned chamber, in which FIG. 1A is a vertical sectional perspective view of a first example in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention, and FIG. 1B is a vertical sectional perspective view in accordance with a prior invention ( FIG. 10 );
  • FIG. 2A is a horizontal sectional perspective view of the cartridge accommodating case having one partitioned chamber in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 2B is a horizontal sectional perspective view of the cartridge accommodating case having one partitioned chamber in accordance with the prior invention ( FIG. 10 );
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams explaining a weakness of the first example, in which FIG. 3A shows a self-standing state, and FIG. 3B shows a tilted state;
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating ribs of a second example in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view in which an upper case and a lower case are separated, explaining the first and second examples which are applied to a cartridge accommodating case having four partitioned chambers;
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the upper case shown in FIG. 5 , in which FIG. 6A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 6B is a side view thereof;
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams explaining the cartridge accommodating case, in which FIG. 7A is a side view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6A , and FIG. 7B is an external view of essential portions of the cartridge accommodating case, illustrating cushioning ribs provided on outer wall surfaces of the partitioned chamber;
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a first conventional method for accommodating the plurality of cartridges
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a second conventional method 1 for accommodating the plurality of cartridges
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view in which an upper case and a lower case of a cartridge accommodating case having four partitioned chambers in accordance with the prior invention are separated;
  • FIGS. 11A to 11D are diagrams illustrating the procedure of accommodating a plurality of cartridges in the cartridge accommodating case by using the cartridges shown in FIG. 10 ;
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case of the accommodating case in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention are separated;
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of the upper case shown in FIG. 12 , in which FIG. 13A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 13B is a side view thereof;
  • FIG. 14 is a side view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 13A ;
  • FIG. 15 is an external view of essential portions of the accommodating case, illustrating cushioning ribs provided on the outer wall surfaces of the partitioned chamber;
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral edge of the case, illustrating a stepped bent portion
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an overlapping state of terminal ends of the stepped bent portions
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the stepped bent portion
  • FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case of the cartridge accommodating case in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention are separated;
  • FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of the upper case shown in FIG. 19 , in which FIG. 20A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 20B is a side view thereof; and
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case of the cartridge accommodating case shown in FIG. 19 are assembled.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams explaining a cartridge accommodating case consisting one partitioned chamber, in which FIG. 1A is a vertical sectional perspective view of a first example in accordance with the first embodiment of this invention, and FIG. 1B is a vertical sectional perspective view in accordance with the prior invention.
  • a cartridge accommodating case 500 is comprised of an upper case 500 u and a lower case 500 d .
  • a partitioned chamber 500 S is formed in its interior, and a plurality of (in the drawing, five) cartridges 21 are accommodated therein without free play.
  • a cartridge accommodating case 100 is comprised of an upper case 100 u and a lower case 100 d .
  • a partitioned chamber 100 S is formed in its interior, and a plurality of (in the drawing, five) cartridges 21 are accommodated therein without free play.
  • FIG. 1A This invention of FIG. 1A and the prior invention of FIG. 1B are configured similarly in the above-described aspects.
  • the corner portions C of the cartridge accommodating case 500 are formed at right angles in the same way as those of the cartridges 21 , and the ridge lines at the mutually opposing corner portions of the cartridge accommodating case 500 and the cartridge 21 are in close contact with each other without a gap.
  • a detour portion 137 which is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the ridge line of the cartridge 21 is formed at each corner portion C of the cartridge accommodating case 100 to thereby form a space portion K on the inner side of the detour portion 137 in an area surrounding the ridge line.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 500 of the prior invention is dropped and an impact is applied to its corner portion C, that impact is transmitted directly to the cartridge 21 through the material of the cartridge accommodating case 100 , so that there is a high possibility that the ridge line of the cartridge 21 , i.e., the contents, becomes broken.
  • the detour portion 137 which is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the ridge line of the cartridge 21 is formed at each corner portion C of the cartridge accommodating case 100 to thereby form the space portion K on the inner side of the detour portion 137 in the area surrounding the ridge line, even if the cartridge accommodating case 100 is dropped and an impact is applied to its corner portion C, that impact is absorbed by the resiliency of the detour portion 137 of the cartridge accommodating case 100 , thereby safely protecting the cartridge 21 , i.e., the contents.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are conceptual diagrams explaining the partitioned chamber portion of the cartridge accommodating case, in which FIG. 2A is a horizontal sectional perspective view in accordance with this invention, and FIG. 2B is a horizontal sectional perspective view in accordance with the prior invention ( FIG. 10 ).
  • FIGS. 1A and 2A on the one hand, and FIGS. 2A and 2B , on the other hand, lies in that, in FIGS. 1A and 2A , the partitioned chamber portion is explained by a vertical cross section, whereas, in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the partitioned chamber portion is explained by a horizontal cross section.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show the lower case 100 d of the cartridge accommodating case 100 and the lower case 500 d of the cartridge accommodating case 500 , respectively, and the upper cases are also constructed in the same way.
  • the partitioned chamber 500 S is formed inside the lower case 500 d for cartridge accommodation, and the plurality of cartridges 21 are accommodated therein without free play.
  • the partitioned chamber 100 S is formed inside the lower case 100 d , and the plurality of cartridges 21 are accommodated therein without free play.
  • FIG. 1A This invention of FIG. 1A and the prior invention of FIG. 1B are configured similarly in the above-described aspects.
  • this invention of FIG. 2A and the prior invention of FIG. 2B differ in the shape of the left and right corner portions C on this side and the farther side in the drawing.
  • the corner portions C of the lower case 500 d are formed at right angles in the same way as those of the cartridges 21 , and the ridge lines at the mutually opposing corner portions of the cartridge accommodating case 500 and the cartridge 21 are in close contact with each other.
  • a detour portion 37 which is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the ridge line of the cartridge 21 is formed at each corner portion C of the cartridge accommodating case 100 to thereby form the space portion K on the inner side of the detour portion 37 in an area surrounding the ridge line.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 500 with the cartridges 21 accommodated therein is dropped and an impact is applied to its corner portion C, that impact is transmitted directly to the cartridge 21 through the material of the cartridge accommodating case 100 , so that there is a high possibility that the ridge line of the cartridge 21 , i.e., the contents, becomes broken.
  • the detour portion 37 which is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the ridge line of the cartridge 21 is formed at each corner portion C of the cartridge accommodating case 100 to thereby form the space portion K on the inner side of the detour portion 37 in the area surrounding the ridge line, even if the cartridge accommodating case 100 is dropped and an impact is applied to its corner portion C, that impact is absorbed by the resiliency of the detour portion 37 of the cartridge accommodating case 100 , thereby safely protecting the cartridge 21 , i.e., the contents.
  • the partitioned chamber portion of the cartridge accommodating case of the first example in accordance with the first embodiment of this invention has a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped space formed in its interior.
  • the detour portions are respectively formed for all the ridge line portions of the cartridge accommodating case forming the cubic or rectangular parallelepiped space, i.e., in areas surrounding the ridge lines, to thereby form space portions in their interiors.
  • FIGS. 3A , 3 B, and 4 are diagrams explaining a second example in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams explaining a further aspect of the above-described first example to be overcome, in which FIG. 3A shows a desirable self-standing state of the cartridge accommodated in the lower case when the upper case is removed, and FIG. 3B shows a tilted state which the cartridge can actually assume.
  • the detour portions 137 of the first example for impact absorption are respectively provided at the left and right end portions of the bottom of the lower case 100 d (although the detour portions 137 of the first example are circular, these detour portions 137 are set to be rectangular; both are similar in operation and advantages).
  • the detour portions 137 on both sides extend in an elongated manner on the bottom along the ridge lines of the cartridges 21 from this side toward the farther side in the drawing. If one cartridge 21 is accommodated on one side in this lower case 100 d , the cartridge 21 should ideally maintain its self-standing state, as shown in FIG. 3A .
  • the cartridge 21 is able to come into contact with the bottom of the lower case 100 d only at its small area in its lengthwise direction, so that the cartridge 21 can easily tilt even by a small vibration, as shown in FIG. 3B .
  • the second example has been devised to overcome this drawback, and is characterized in that, as shown in FIG. 4 , a plurality of (in the drawing, three) ribs 100 R 1 to 100 R 3 of a height for becoming flush with the bottom of the lower case 100 d are provided uprightly at intervals in the space portion K defined by the detour portion 137 for impact absorption formed at each of the left and right end portions of the bottom of the lower case 100 d.
  • the plurality of ribs 100 R support the bottom portion of the cartridge 21 , so that its self-standing state can be maintained.
  • ribs 100 R 1 to 100 R 3 are provided in one space portion, the number is not particularly limited.
  • One rib or two or more ribs may be used.
  • they should preferably be disposed in the vicinities of both sides, and in the case of one rib it should preferably be disposed at a central portion and with a large width in the light of stability.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrams explaining the cartridge accommodating case in which four partitioned chambers provided with the features in accordance with the invention are formed.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case are separated.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the upper case shown in FIG. 5 , in which FIG. 6A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 6B is a side view thereof.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams explaining the cartridge accommodating case, in which FIG. 7A is a side view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6A , and FIG. 7B is an external view of essential portions of the cartridge accommodating case, illustrating cushioning ribs provided on outer wall surfaces of the partitioned chamber.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 can be suitably used for accommodating flat body-shaped cartridges 21 in each of which, for example, a reel with a magnetic tape wound therearound is disposed.
  • the cartridge 21 has the magnetic tape-wound reel provided therein such that its axis is oriented in the thicknesswise direction.
  • a description is given by citing an example in which the cartridge 21 is formed in the shape of a square flat body, but the cartridge may be alternatively formed in the shape of a rectangular flat body.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 becomes openable as an upper case 23 and a lower case 25 , which are of the same structure, are superposed on each other from above and below and engaged with each other.
  • a plurality of partitioned chambers 27 are adapted to be formed therein.
  • four partitioned chambers 27 are formed.
  • Cartridge groups 29 which are each formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges 21 in their thicknesswise direction as shown in FIG. 5 , can be held in the respective partitioned chambers 27 . It should be noted that the cartridges 21 are uprightly disposed in such an orientation that their tape taking-out ports are set on the upper side, as shown in FIG.
  • the tape taking-out ports having weak strength are located on the upper side when the cartridges 21 are accommodated in the cartridge accommodating case 100 .
  • the cartridges 21 are disposed such that the tape taking-out ports in two adjacent pairs of the partitioned chambers 27 face each other.
  • the tape taking-out ports are provided on the interior side of the cartridge accommodating case 100 , and therefore the tape taking-out ports can be protected from an impact from outside of the case.
  • one partitioned chamber 27 forms a substantially identical accommodation volume as the volume of the cartridge group 29 . Accordingly, even if the cartridges 21 are packed haphazardly in each partitioned chamber 27 , since there are no partition walls for the individual cartridges, the cartridges 21 can be put in easily. For example, several cartridges 21 can be grasped together and packed, so that the efficiency of accommodating operation is improved remarkably as compared with the conventional arrangement in which the cartridges 21 are grasped and inserted one by one.
  • this surplus area portion is made use of as an impact absorbing portion (so-called crushable zone).
  • flanges 31 which are impact absorbing portions, respectively extend on both end sides, in the axial direction of the magnetic tape-wound reel, of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 .
  • a handle opening 33 for defining a handle for carrying the case is provided in the respective flange 31 .
  • the arrangement provided is such that, as for the cartridge accommodating case 100 with the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 engaged with each other, the user is able to put his or her fingers into the handle opening 33 on one side and grip the handle to carry the cartridge accommodating case 100 with the other flange 31 side facing downward.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 can be carried by gripping the handles defined by the handle openings 33 on both sides with both hands and by setting the cartridge accommodating case 100 horizontally.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 When the cartridge accommodating case 100 is carried, as described above, by gripping the handle defined by the handle opening 33 on one side with one hand with the other flange 31 side facing downward, if and when the cartridge accommodating case 100 slips off the fingers, the cartridge accommodating case 100 at the lower flange 31 side collides against the floor surface. At this time, the flanges 31 , which serve as impact absorbing portions, are deformed by the load of the cartridge accommodating case 100 and the cartridge groups 29 , and the impact energy is absorbed by that deformation, thereby alleviating the impact for the accommodated cartridges 21 .
  • the cartridges 21 are weak against an impact applied in the axial direction of the reel. This is because there are cases where the jumping out of the tape has occurred at an end face of the wound tape, and if the tape is crushed or bent as a tape end abuts against a reel flange due to the jumping out of the tape, the smooth taking-up and paying-out of the magnetic tape is hampered, making the read/write impossible in a worst case.
  • the flanges 31 serving as the impact absorbing portions are disposed in the axial direction of the reel of the cartridge 21 , the impact resistance in the axial direction of the reel, which is weak against the impact, can be improved.
  • FIG. 7B is an external view of essential portions of the cartridge accommodating case, illustrating the cushioning ribs provided on the outer wall surfaces of the partitioned chamber.
  • cushioning ribs 35 are formed on the wall surfaces of each partitioned chamber 27 in such a manner as to protrude outwardly from the partitioned chamber 27 . Accordingly, even if an object has collided against the cartridge accommodating case 100 from outside, since a gap is formed between the outer wall surface of the case and the cartridges 21 by the cushioning ribs 35 , these cushioning ribs 35 act as a cushioning material to enhance the impact resistance.
  • the detour portions 37 and 137 which surround the ridge line portions of the cartridges 21 are formed, as shown in FIG. 7B (first example). Further, the plurality of (in the drawing, three) ribs 100 R 1 to 100 R 3 are provided uprightly in the space portion defined by the detour portion 137 (second example).
  • an impact absorbing function for effectively preventing the deformation of the ridge line portions of the cartridges in cases such as when the cartridge accommodating case 100 has dropped with the cartridges 21 accommodated therein, as well as a self-standing function.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 is comprised of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 of an identical structure, which are each provided with a protruding portion (protrusion) 41 and a recessed portion (recessed groove) 43 which are adapted to engage with counterparts of another case.
  • the protrusion 41 and the recessed groove 43 are formed on the upper side and the lower side, respectively, symmetrically about a case center line 45 shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the protrusion 41 and the recessed groove 43 which are both U-shaped in a plan view, are formed continuously on one side and on the other side, respectively, with the center line 45 located therebetween.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 is capable of floating on water.
  • the cartridges 21 can be protected from dust, moisture, splashed water, and other harmful substances.
  • one case is used both as a cover and as a part of the body.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 is structured in which the partitioned chambers 27 which are openable by the protrusions 41 and the recessed grooves 43 are formed.
  • a partition portion 47 is provided between adjacent ones of the partitioned chambers 27 .
  • This partition portion 47 is formed with a shape and a depth, which will be described later, so that its deformation with respect to an impact is facilitated. Namely, when the cartridge accommodating case 100 has dropped, the impact is alleviated as the partition portions 47 are deformed.
  • the partition portions 47 are provided in any directions so that the dropping direction may be from the side where the flange 31 is provided or from a perpendicular direction thereto.
  • crisscross partition portions 47 are formed in such a manner as to partition the interior of the cartridge accommodating case 100 into the four partitioned chambers 27 disposed on four sides.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 is so arranged that as the partition portions 47 are interposed between adjacent ones of the partitioned chambers 27 in which the cartridge groups 29 are accommodated, even in cases where impacts are applied to the respective cartridge groups 29 due to dropping or the like, the partition portions 47 are adapted to absorb the impacts, so that an impact force due to the inertia of the cartridge groups 29 does not affect the cartridge groups 29 between each other.
  • the cartridge accommodating case 100 with the cartridge groups 29 accommodated therein is accommodated in an unillustrated corrugated cardboard box having an inner shape substantially identical to the outer shape of the cartridge accommodating case 100 .
  • a bevel portion 49 is formed at each opposite end of the flange 31 , the bevel portion 49 being constituted by a side portion which is inclined approximately 45 degrees relative to the flange 31 .
  • triangular holes are respectively formed by these bevel portions 49 with respect to the inner wall surfaces of the corrugated cardboard box, so that fingers can be inserted therein to facilitate the taking-out operation.
  • these bevel portions 49 may be constructed such that tabs, although not shown, are respectively provided extendedly on the bevel portions 49 .
  • tabs although not shown, are respectively provided extendedly on the bevel portions 49 .
  • a stepped bent portion is formed by slightly bending its peripheral edge.
  • this stepped bent portion is formed on either one side symmetrically about the center line 45 .
  • the stepped bent portion covers the peripheral edge of the other case so as to improve dust-tightness and water-tightness.
  • large and small quadrangular frame portions 53 a and 53 b which are capable of fitting to counterparts of the other case, protrude from outer bottom surface portions of the respective partitioned chambers 27 .
  • the quadrangular frame portions 53 a and 53 b on the lower surface of the upper cartridge accommodating case 100 are fitted to the quadrangular frame portions 53 a and 53 b on the upper surface of the lower cartridge accommodating case 100 to restrict their relative lateral offset, thereby preventing a collapse at the time of stacking.
  • Each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is constituted by an integrally molded piece of a plastic resin. For this reason, the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 having toughness for reliably protecting the cartridges as well as appropriate impact absorption can be mass produced easily at low cost by using a material which is relatively easy to handle.
  • This plastic resin may include any one of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
  • the plastic resin is any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene, the material is easily available, recovery and reuse after the products have become waste products are possible, and easy and low-cost vacuum molding is possible.
  • the plastic resin should preferably be translucent. If so, when the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are engaged with each other, and the partitioned chambers 27 are set in the hermetically closed state, the cartridges 21 accommodated in the partitioned chambers 27 are visible from the outside, so that the state of accommodation of the cartridges 21 in the hermetically closed partitioned chambers 27 can be easily grasped.
  • each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is formed by using a plastic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and subjecting it to drawing, the minimum structural strength of the partitioned chambers for accommodating the plurality of cartridge groups can be economically ensured. Further, the overall weight of the case can be set to a minimum while satisfying the minimum strength.
  • the case is formed with the aforementioned thickness, appropriate deformation becomes possible when an external force is applied, thereby making it possible to optimally secure the impact absorbing action with respect to the accommodated cartridges. In other words, if the case is thinner than the aforementioned thickness, the case becomes excessively deformable, so that the impact absorption effect declines.
  • At least one partitioned chamber is formed for holding the cartridge group formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges in their thicknesswise direction, and space portions are respectively provided at the ridge line portions of the partitioned chamber.
  • FIGS. 12 to 18 a detailed description will be given of another preferred form of the cartridge accommodating case in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case of the accommodating case in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention are separated.
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of the upper case shown in FIG. 12 , in which FIG. 13A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 13B is a side view thereof.
  • FIG. 14 is a side view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 13A .
  • a cartridge accommodating case (hereafter simply referred to also as the “accommodating case”) 100 ′ in accordance with this embodiment can be suitably used for accommodating flat body-shaped cartridges 21 in each of which, for example, a reel with a magnetic tape wound therearound is disposed.
  • the cartridge 21 has the magnetic tape-wound reel provided therein such that its axis is oriented in the thicknesswise direction.
  • a description is given by citing an example in which the cartridge 21 is formed in the shape of a square flat body, but the cartridge may be alternatively formed in the shape of a rectangular flat body.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ becomes openable as the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 , which are of the same structure, are superposed on each other from above and below and engaged with each other.
  • the plurality of partitioned chambers 27 are adapted to be formed therein.
  • four partitioned chambers 27 are formed.
  • the cartridge groups 29 which are each formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges 21 in their thicknesswise direction as shown in FIG. 12 , can be held in the respective partitioned chambers 27 . It should be noted that the cartridges 21 are uprightly disposed in such an orientation that their tape taking-out ports are set on the upper side, as shown in FIG.
  • the tape taking-out ports having weak strength are located on the upper side when the cartridges 21 are accommodated in the accommodating case 100 ′. More preferably, the cartridges 21 are disposed such that the tape taking-out ports in two adjacent pairs of the partitioned chambers 27 face each other. In that case, the tape taking-out ports are provided on the interior side of the accommodating case 100 ′, and therefore the tape taking-out ports can be protected from an impact from outside of the case.
  • one partitioned chamber 27 forms a substantially identical accommodation volume as the volume of the cartridge group 29 . Accordingly, even if the cartridges 21 are packed haphazardly in each partitioned chamber 27 , since there are no partition walls for the individual cartridges, the cartridges 21 can be put in easily. For example, several cartridges 21 can be grasped together and packed, so that the efficiency of accommodating operation is improved remarkably as compared with the conventional arrangement in which the cartridges 21 are grasped and inserted one by one.
  • this surplus area portion is made use of as an impact absorbing portion (so-called crushable zone).
  • the flanges 31 which are impact absorbing portions, respectively extend on both end sides, in the axial direction of the magnetic tape-wound reel, of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 .
  • the handle opening 33 for defining a handle for carrying the case is provided in the respective flange 31 .
  • the arrangement provided is such that, as for the accommodating case 100 ′ with the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 engaged with each other, the user is able to put his or her fingers into the handle opening 33 on one side and grip the handle to carry the accommodating case 100 ′ with the other flange 31 side facing downward.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ can be carried by gripping the handles defined by the handle openings 33 on both sides with both hands and by setting the accommodating case 100 ′ horizontally.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ When the accommodating case 100 ′ is carried, as described above, by gripping the handle defined by the handle opening 33 on one side with one hand with the other flange 31 side facing downward, if and when the accommodating case 100 ′ slips off the fingers, the accommodating case 100 ′ at the lower flange 31 side collides against the floor surface. At this time, the flanges 31 , which serve as impact absorbing portions, are deformed by the load of the accommodating case 100 ′ and the cartridge groups 29 , and the impact energy is absorbed by that deformation, thereby alleviating the impact for the accommodated cartridges 21 .
  • the cartridges 21 are weak against an impact applied in the axial direction of the reel. This is because there are cases where the jumping out of the tape has occurred at an end face of the wound tape, and if the tape is crushed or bent as a tape end abuts against a reel flange due to the jumping out of the tape, the smooth taking-up and paying-out of the magnetic tape is hampered, making the read/write impossible in a worst case.
  • the flanges 31 serving as the impact absorbing portions are disposed in the axial direction of the reel of the cartridge 21 , the impact resistance in the axial direction of the reel, which is weak against the impact, can be improved.
  • FIG. 15 is an external view of essential portions of the accommodating case, illustrating the cushioning ribs provided on the outer wall surfaces of the partitioned chamber.
  • the cushioning ribs 35 are formed on the wall surfaces of each partitioned chamber 27 in such a manner as to protrude outwardly from the partitioned chamber 27 . Accordingly, even if an object has collided against the accommodating case 100 ′ from outside, since a gap is formed between the outer wall surface of the case and the cartridges 21 by the cushioning ribs 35 , these cushioning ribs 35 act as a cushioning material to enhance the impact resistance.
  • the detour portions 37 which surround the ridge line portions of the cartridges 21 are formed, as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ is comprised of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 of an identical structure, which are each provided with the protruding portion (protrusion) 41 and the recessed portion (recessed groove) 43 which are adapted to engage with counterparts of another case.
  • the protrusion 41 and the recessed groove 43 are formed on the upper side and the lower side, respectively, symmetrically about the case center line 45 shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the protrusion 41 and the recessed groove 43 which are both U-shaped in a plan view, are formed continuously on one side and on the other side, respectively, with the case center line 45 located therebetween.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ is capable of floating on water.
  • the cartridges 21 can be protected from dust, moisture, splashed water, and other harmful substances.
  • one case is used both as a cover and as a part of the body.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ is structured in which the partitioned chambers 27 which are openable by the protrusions 41 and the recessed grooves 43 are formed.
  • the partition portion 47 is provided adjacent ones of the partitioned chambers 27 .
  • This partition portion 47 is formed with a shape and a depth, which will be described later, so that its deformation with respect to an impact is facilitated. Namely, when the accommodating case 100 ′ has dropped, the impact is alleviated as the partition portions 47 are deformed.
  • the partition portions 47 are provided in any directions so that the dropping direction may be from the side where the flange 31 is provided or from a perpendicular direction thereto.
  • crisscross partition portions 47 are formed in such a manner as to partition the interior of the accommodating case 100 ′ into the four partitioned chambers 27 disposed on four sides.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ is so arranged that as the partition portions 47 are interposed between adjacent ones of the partitioned chambers 27 in which the cartridge groups 29 are accommodated, even in cases where impacts are applied to the respective cartridge groups 29 due to dropping or the like, the partition portions 47 are adapted to absorb the impacts, so that an impact force due to the inertia of the cartridge groups 29 does not affect the cartridge groups 29 between each other.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ with the cartridge groups 29 accommodated therein is accommodated in an unillustrated corrugated cardboard box having an inner shape substantially identical to the outer shape of the accommodating case 100 ′.
  • the bevel portion 49 is formed at each opposite end of the flange 31 , the bevel portion 49 being constituted by a side portion which is inclined approximately 45 degrees relative to the flange 31 .
  • triangular holes are respectively formed by these bevel portions 49 with respect to the inner wall surfaces of the corrugated cardboard box, so that fingers can be inserted therein to facilitate the taking-out operation.
  • these bevel portions 49 may be constructed such that tabs, although not shown, are respectively provided extendedly on the bevel portions 49 .
  • tabs although not shown, are respectively provided extendedly on the bevel portions 49 .
  • a stepped bent portion which covers the outer end of the peripheral edge of one of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is formed on the outer end of the peripheral edge of the other one of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 .
  • the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are provided with different structures. Accordingly, the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are molded by different molds.
  • a stepped bent portion is provided on one of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 , when the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are superposed, this stepped bent portion covers the outer end of the peripheral edge of one of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 , thereby increasing the rigidity of the peripheral edge of the case.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the peripheral edge of the case and illustrates the stepped bent portion.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an overlapping state of terminal ends of the stepped bent portions.
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the stepped bent portion.
  • a stepped bent portion 61 formed by slightly bending the peripheral edge of each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is provided on a half perimeter of the outermost periphery of each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 .
  • this stepped bent portion 61 is formed on the outer end of the peripheral edge on either one side of the case center line 45 bisecting sides of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 formed in a substantially square shape.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′ when the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 of an identical structure each having the stepped bent portion 61 formed on the outer end of the peripheral edge on one side are superposed on each other in face-to-face relation, as shown in FIG. 16 , the stepped bent portion 61 provided on the outer end of the peripheral edge on one side of, for instance, the lower case 25 covers the outer end of the peripheral edge (outer end of the flange 31 ) on the other one side of the upper case 23 . Meanwhile, the stepped bent portion 61 provided on the outer end of the peripheral edge on one side of the upper case 23 covers the outer end of the peripheral edge (outer end of the flange 31 ) on the other one side of the lower case 25 .
  • the stepped bent portion 61 covers the outer end of the other peripheral edge (outer end of the flange 31 ) so as to increase the rigidity of the peripheral edge of the case and improve dust-tightness and water-tightness.
  • the stepped bent portion 61 covers the outer end of the other peripheral edge (outer end of the flange 31 ), as shown in FIG. 16 , if the dropping direction of the case is leftward (in the direction of arrow a) in FIG. 16 , a distal end 61 a of the stepped bent portion 61 during a collision is bent in the direction of wrapping around a distal end 31 a of the flange 31 (in the direction of arrow b), i.e., clockwise in FIG. 16 .
  • the flanges 31 are each mutually clamped by the distal end 61 of the stepped bent portion 61 formed by bending the mating distal end 31 a at the peripheral edge, thereby restricting the opening of the case due to an impact of the drop.
  • a stepped bent portion 61 A may be formed such that the distal end 31 a of the mating flange 31 is caused to abut against the distal end 61 a of the stepped bent portion 61 A after stepped-bending, while keeping intact the space 63 of the step portion formed by the stepped-bending.
  • the distal end 61 a of the stepped bent portion 61 A is bent clockwise, it is possible to restrict the opening of the case due to an impact of the drop.
  • the large and small quadrangular frame portions 53 a and 53 b which are capable of fitting to counterparts of the other case, protrude from outer bottom surface portions of the respective partitioned chambers 27 .
  • the quadrangular frame portions 53 a and 53 b on the lower surface of the upper accommodating case 100 ′ are fitted to the quadrangular frame portions 53 a and 53 b on the upper surface of the lower accommodating case 100 ′ to restrict their relative lateral offset, thereby preventing a collapse at the time of stacking.
  • Each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is constituted by an integrally molded piece of a plastic resin. For this reason, the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 having toughness for reliably protecting the cartridges as well as appropriate impact absorption can be mass produced easily at low cost by using a material which is relatively easy to handle.
  • This plastic resin may include any one of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
  • the plastic resin is any one of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene, the material is easily available, recovery and reuse after the products have become waste products are possible, and easy and low-cost vacuum molding is possible.
  • the plastic resin should preferably be translucent. If so, when the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are engaged with each other, and the partitioned chambers 27 are set in the hermetically closed state, the cartridges 21 accommodated in the partitioned chambers 27 are visible from the outside, so that the state of accommodation of the cartridges 21 in the hermetically closed partitioned chambers 27 can be easily grasped.
  • each of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is formed by using a plastic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and subjecting it to drawing, the minimum structural strength of the partitioned chambers for accommodating the plurality of cartridge groups can be economically ensured. Further, the overall weight of the case can be set to a minimum while satisfying the minimum strength.
  • the case is formed with the aforementioned thickness, appropriate deformation becomes possible when an external force is applied, thereby making it possible to optimally secure the impact absorbing action with respect to the accommodated cartridges. In other words, if the case is thinner than the aforementioned thickness, the case becomes excessively deformable, so that the impact absorption effect declines.
  • At least one partitioned chamber 27 is formed for holding the cartridge group 29 formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges 21 in their thicknesswise direction.
  • the plurality of cartridges 21 superposed and held in their thicknesswise direction can be collectively accommodated in the partitioned chambers 27 , and accommodation can be performed efficiently in a short time, thereby making it possible to substantially improve the efficiency in the accommodating operation.
  • the stepped bent portion 61 which covers the outer end of the peripheral edge of one of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 is formed at the outer end of the peripheral edge of the other one of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 , it is possible to increase the rigidity of the peripheral edge of the case. Even if the cartridge accommodating case’ is subjected to an impact of the drop, the peripheral edges of the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are made difficult to open, thereby making it possible to prevent the jumping out of the cartridges 21 .
  • FIGS. 19 to 21 a detailed description will be given of a third embodiment of the cartridge accommodating case in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case of the cartridge accommodating case in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention are separated.
  • FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of the upper case shown in FIG. 19 , in which FIG. 20A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 20B is a side view thereof.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view in which the upper case and the lower case of the cartridge accommodating case shown in FIG. 19 are assembled.
  • a cartridge accommodating case 100 ′′ in accordance with this embodiment can be suitably used for accommodating flat body-shaped cartridges 21 in each of which a reel 230 with a magnetic tape 210 wound therearound is disposed.
  • First cushioning ribs 39 are formed on outer wall surfaces of the partitioned chambers 27 making up the side surfaces of the accommodating case 100 ′′ in the thicknesswise direction of the cartridges 21 accommodated in the partitioned chambers 27 .
  • two first cushioning ribs 39 are formed outwardly projectingly on one side wall surface of each partitioned chamber 27 corresponding to the thicknesswise direction of the cartridges 21 .
  • second cushioning ribs 410 are formed on the other side wall surfaces of the accommodating case 100 ′′ corresponding to a direction perpendicular to the thicknesswise direction of the cartridges 21 .
  • two second cushioning ribs 410 are formed outwardly projectingly for each partitioned chamber 27 .
  • the first cushioning ribs 39 are able to absorb the impact by being deflected by themselves.
  • the second cushioning ribs 410 are able to absorb the impact by being deflected by themselves.
  • gaps are formed between the outer wall surface of the case and the cartridges 21 by the first cushioning ribs 39 and the second cushioning ribs 410 , and these cushioning ribs 39 and 410 defining these gaps serve as a cushioning material, and are adapted to enhance the impact resistance.
  • third cushioning ribs 430 are respectively formed at corners of the partitioned chambers 27 in such a manner as to surround ridge line portions of the respective cartridges 21 . Since the third cushioning ribs 430 are respectively disposed at ends where the side provided with the first cushioning ribs 39 and the side provided with the second cushioning ribs 410 meet, it is possible to effectively prevent the deformation of the ridge line portions of the cartridges such as when the accommodating case 100 ′′ with the cartridges 21 accommodated therein has dropped.
  • the upper case 23 and the lower case 25 are assembled, as shown in FIG. 21 .
  • the accommodating case 100 ′′ accommodating the cartridge groups 29 is able to absorb the impact in that direction as the first cushioning ribs 39 of the upper case 23 and the first cushioning ribs 39 of the lower case 25 are respectively deflected.
  • the accommodating case 100 ′′ accommodating the cartridge groups 29 is able to absorb the impact in that direction as the second cushioning ribs 410 of the upper case 23 and the second cushioning ribs 410 of the lower case 25 are respectively deflected.
  • the absorption of the impact can be promoted as the third cushioning ribs 430 of the upper case 23 and the third cushioning ribs 430 of the lower case 25 are deflected, and the first cushioning ribs 39 and/or the second cushioning ribs 410 are additionally deflected.
  • the impact can be absorbed by the first cushioning ribs 39 , the second cushioning ribs 410 , and the third cushioning ribs 430 to prevent the breakage of the cartridge accommodating case 100 ′′ and damage to the cartridges 21 , thereby making it possible to assure the quality of the cartridges 21 .
  • partitioned chambers 27 are provided for holding the cartridge groups 29 each formed into a block by juxtaposing the plurality of cartridges in their thicknesswise direction, as compared with the case where the plurality of cartridges are dispersedly accommodated in the same accommodation area, surplus areas which do not contribute to the accommodation can be secured by the portion in which the plurality of cartridges are put together in one block. Furthermore, by using these surplus area portions as impact absorbing portions (so-called crushable zones), it is possible to absorb the impact such as at the time of the dropping of the case and improve the impact resistance against the cartridges 21 .
  • the plurality of cartridges 21 superposed and held in their thicknesswise direction can be collectively accommodated in the partitioned chambers 27 , and accommodation can be performed efficiently in a short time, thereby making it possible to substantially improve the efficiency in the accommodating operation.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)
US11/699,462 2006-01-30 2007-01-30 Cartridge accommodating case Abandoned US20070181453A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006-020749 2006-01-30
JP2006-021174 2006-01-30
JP2006020749A JP2007197074A (ja) 2006-01-30 2006-01-30 カートリッジ収納ケース
JP2006021174A JP2007197080A (ja) 2006-01-30 2006-01-30 カートリッジ収納ケース
JP2006023069A JP2007204086A (ja) 2006-01-31 2006-01-31 カートリッジ収納ケース
JP2006-023069 2006-01-31

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EP (1) EP1814115A3 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN105366218A (zh) * 2015-12-09 2016-03-02 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 液晶面板包装箱及其成型方法

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US20070175780A1 (en) * 2006-01-31 2007-08-02 Fujifilm Corporation Cartridge storage case
CN105366218A (zh) * 2015-12-09 2016-03-02 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 液晶面板包装箱及其成型方法

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