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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The field of this invention lies within the art of storing magnetic
memories, such as disks and diskettes. More particularly, it involves the
storage on an accessable basis of such magnetic memory members for ease
and facility of withdrawal therefrom to an operator in a simple and
utilitarian configuration.
2. The Prior Art
The prior art with regard to magnetic memory storage cases is limited to
the prior invention of one of the joint inventors herein and the art cited
therein. In particular, one of the joint inventors is the inventor of U.S.
Pat. No. 4,225,038 which issued Sept. 30, 1980. In that particular patent,
the magnetic memories were stored on an insert that had a place for
receipt of the magnetic members and was pivoted on a top portion thereof.
The top portion allowed the tray-like member to swing inwardly into the
lid and then be folded in the entirety as a three piece item.
The drawback of the device was specifically such that it had to be molded
in more than one portion. Secondly, it was such that it used a
substantially larger amount of raw material, in particular, plastic which
is dependent upon petrochemical stocks. Furthermore, the device was not
easily accessible for some people, due to the fact that it had to be
folded outwardly, inwardly and closed upwardly and downwardly in a more
cumbersome manner than this particular invention.
This invention overcomes the prior art by being made from a one piece
injection molded conformation. The one piece conformation is such that it
incorporates a ledge that is formed into the top of the clamshell-like
member. The clamshell configuration opens so that it is hinged toward the
rear and is in a resilient conformation so that it can rest against the
sides of the bottom which have a projection against which it is rested.
The entire conformation utilizes a living hinge having sufficient
resiliency to cause the lid to be opened and held, with the ledge and the
magnetic memory members for easy access. The lid is not only supported by
the base in a facile manner, but is also easily opened and closed by a
single manipulation for easy access to the magnetic memory members on the
ledge in the top of the case.
In addition to the foregoing features, the device is easily assembled as an
entire singularly molded configuration having a ledge that attaches to the
binding or hinge area, as well as a top and bottom integrated into one
member for the support, display and ready accessability of magnetic memory
members, such as disks. As a consequence, the invention is a substantial
step over the prior art as to configuration, usage, manufacturing and
overall features to enhance the storage, accessability and utilization of
magnetic disks and diskettes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In summation, this invention comprises a magnetic disk memory storage
container formed from a single piece of plastic in a clamshell
configuration with an upper lid having a ledge for the receipt of memory
storage disks that are received within the base or bottom thereof and is
connected by means of a living hinge.
More particularly, the invention comprises a book-like member that is
opened and closed in a clamshell manner. The upper portion has a ledge
built thereinto. The ledge is formed as a single piece on a web or hinge
member between the upper and lower portions. The upper portion comprises
an area for receipt of the ledge and lateral walls for preventing the
memory storage members therein from moving outwardly.
The bottom has three upright walls that receive the top member that is
folded there between, while at the same time having support means for
holding the upper member in an open clamshell relationship by means of the
resilient hinge and holding means.
The holding means can comprise one of two configurations. The first
configuration has a pin and arcuate slot which receives the pin that rides
therein and seats within a hole within the slot when it is in the open or
extended position. The second configuration incorporates a protuberance,
pin or obstruction, which allows the lid in the resilient open position to
override it and then be received thereagainst. Afterwards, closing takes
place by either spreading the walls to which the obstruction or pin is
attached, or forcing the top to override the pins in a downwardly driven
manner.
The foregoing configuration allows for facile opening, use, and manufacture
of the magnetic memory disk storage device of this invention which shall
be described in greater detail hereinafter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
The invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the
description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the storage case of this invention in
its folded configuration;
FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the memory storage case with a
portion of the top lid fragmented to show the ledge therein and is of an
embodiment for holding the lid in its unfolded condition by means of an
arcuate channel and pin;
FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the magnetic storage case of this
invention in a partially fragmented form wherein the lid is resiliently
received against a pin or protuberance of the lower wall portion of the
bottom thereof;
FIG. 4 shows the disassembled one piece configuration of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2 as it is completely opened in a partially fragmented side
elevation view;
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG. 3 when
the lid is in its opened position resting against the bottom of the
storage case.
FIG. 6 shows a detailed fragmented partially sectioned side view of the
hinge of the showing of the configuration of this invention in FIGS. 2 and
5;
FIG. 7 shows a perspective fragmented detailed disassembled view of the
means by which the top is held open in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 4;
FIG. 8 shows a fragmented perspective view of the means for resting the top
against the bottom of the magnetic memory storage walls of the device
shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6;
FIG. 9 is a cross section of the latch in the direction of lines 9--9 of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment hereof;
FIG. 11 is a view along lines 11--11 of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a fragmented view looking in the direction of lines 12--12 of
FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 shows a laid-out view prior to assembly in the direction of lines
13--13 of FIG. 10; and,
FIG. 14 shows a sectional view in the direction of lines 14--14 of FIG. 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Looking more specifically at the drawings derived from FIG. 1 and the
alternative embodiments thereof, it can be seen that the clamshell
configuration of this invention has been folded together in a closed
manner. The invention comprises a case 10 having an upper storage or lid
section 12 and a lower portion 14. The two are joined together by a hinge
member 16 spanning the upper and lower portion respectively 12 and 14. The
upper portion or cover 12 has side walls 20 and 22 which are champered on
their leading surfaces at their front portions such as front portion 24.
The top or lid portion 12 nests between three walls on the base or bottom
14, specifically walls 26, 28 and front wall 30. The side walls 26 and 28
receive the walls 20 and 22 therebetween, while at the same time providing
a support function as will be detailed hereinafter.
The clamshell configuration of the top and the bottom is such that an outer
ledge or skirt 34 and 36 and 40 completely surrounds the walls 20 and 22,
as well as a small front wall 44.
A second skirt on the base 14 surrounds the walls 26, 28 and 30 in the form
of a skirt having portions 50, 52 and 54.
The foregoing skirts or side ledges on the walls provide significant
resiliency and strength to the entire device. Furthermore, they allow the
device to be formed in a manner so that the walls can provide an overall
resting platform or leg upon which the device can rest.
Looking more particularly at the showings of FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 8, it can be
seen that the top or cover 12 has a lower frontal wall 44 at the front
thereof. The frontal wall has a series of sloping angular uprights 60. The
sloping angular uprights 60 are such that they provide for rigidity of the
wall 44 and more importantly, ease and facility of withdrawal of magnetic
memory disks as will be described hereinafter.
The lid 12 with its side walls 20 and 22 are such that they receive the
magnetic memory disks therebetween resting on a ledge, generally shown as
ledge 64. The ledge 64 comprises a transverse portion 66 and two upright
portions 68 and 70. The upright portions 68 and 70 from the transverse
portion are flexible in nature and allow for a displacement downwardly
toward the base 14 for fanning and removal of magnetic memory disks that
are implaced between the top inner surface of the top 12 and the ledge 64.
These, in particular, thus permit the view through the spaces between the
uprights 68 and 70 of the magnetic memories, while at the same time allow
for flexible displacement and fanning of them. In operation the uprights
and the transverse portion 66 should not be overly flexible to create a
sag when the memory members are fanned, but yet at the same time be
sufficiently flexible and resilient to provide support and fanning of the
members therein.
The ledge 64 includes a pair of tabs 80 and 82 that are angularly offset
from the transverse portion by means of a curved offset 86. The tabs 80
and 82 have an angular locking wedged tab 90 on the edge of each one that
slopes backwardly on a slope 92 toward the base of the tab on which it is
formed as a portion thereof, namely tab 80. The tab 80 is inserted into a
slot 94 having a sloping surface 96 over with the angular tab 90 can be
forced and locked in connection with the tab 80 being inserted therein.
The slot 94 is formed within the side walls 20 and 22 of the top cover 12
at the time of injection molding so that the entire device is formed as
one piece. The transverse portion as can be seen in FIG. 6 is formed
directly to the back portion 16 or hinge that can also be categorized as a
binding of a book-like clamshell between the two respective top 12 and
bottom portions 14.
In this manner, the ledge 64 is connected by means of the tabs 82 to the
side walls 20 and 22, while at the same time permitting the ledge 64 to be
formed in the entirety with the top and the bottom in the manner to be
described.
The tabs 82 are offset with the bend 86 to allow for a relatively flush
placement of the frontal leading surface of the ledge 64 along the bottom
edges of the walls 20 and 22. This effectively provides for a frontal
surface that can lie within the bottom 14 of the container without
protruding with obtrusive edges.
The tabs 82 are easily snapped into place within the openings, or slots 94
with the overriding angle tabs 90 engaging the edges 96 thereof. The
snapping configuration is achieved by the resilience of the walls 20 and
22 being of sufficient resilience to directly ride against the side edge
100 of the ledge 64. The angular tab 90, however, serves to enhance the
locking function.
In order to provide for the slot 94 being formed in the side walls 20 and
22, an expanded ridge 102 is formed within the side walls 20 and 22 to
allow for sufficient material to cover the slots 94. This expanded portion
102 is such that it not only provides for the expanded portion of the
slots so that there is sufficient material in the area of the wall to
allow for the slot 94, but also, it effectively allows for a resting of
the top 12 against the bottom 14 within a groove 106 in the base of the
bottom 14. The groove 106 allows for receipt of the ridge 102 so that the
expanded portion can lie relatively flat within the bottom of the base 14
when it is in its folded condition.
Each side wall 20 and 22 incorporates an opening 110. The opening 110
receives a protuberance which shall be described hereinafter. The
protuberance is used in a manner to rest the top against and serves a
substantially important function in providing the effective holding of the
top 12 when the clamshell configuration is in its open condition.
More particularly, a pin 112 has been shown on the side walls 20 and 22.
The pin 112 can be any particular protuberance, expansion, knob or other
obstruction against which the bottom edge of the walls 20 and 22 can rest
against. In this particular case, it is seen that the ridge 102 having its
bottom edge formed as a portion of the bottom edge of the walls 20 and 22
rests against pin 112. The ridge 102 effectively overrides the pin 112 in
a flexible manner such that it allows for movement and displacement of the
walls 20 and 22 over the pin and securement through the resilience of the
back binding or hinge 16 in the open clamshell configuration.
The walls 26 and 28 to which the pin is connected are such that they have
sufficient resiliency to flex and bias inwardly or laterally with respect
to the bottom to provide the top 12 with an overriding capability when the
protuberance or pin 112 is in the way thereof. However, it should be
understood that the resilience must be sufficiently strong to drive the
pin 112 inwardly so that after the walls 20 and 22 override the pin they
will allow the pin to underlie and firmly support the top 12 in its open
clamshell configuration. This is in part provided by a reinforcing rib 130
which is formed into the side walls 26 and 28. The reinforcing rib creates
a situation wherein there is sufficient strength to reinforce the end
regions of the walls 26 and 28 so that they will not unduly fatigue and
collapse outwardly after significant usage. However, it should be
understood that any reinforcement can be utilized to hold the walls 26 and
28 in resiliently fixed juxtaposition.
The bottom or base 14 is such that it is in relatively snug relationship to
the top in its overlying locked configuration to provide for the locking
action detailed in FIG. 9. The lock shown in FIG. 9 is effectuated by
means of a relatively small rib 140 that is received within a groove 142
of the front wall 30. An overriding ledge 144 of the top 12 rests on the
top portion of the wall 30. In this manner, the top portion 12 indexes on
top of the wall 30 at the interior angle formed between the top 12 and a
depending frontal portion of the wall, namely downwardly extending front
wall portion 44. As previously stated, the downwardly conforming front
wall 44 has a number of angular ribs 60 which allow for the withdrawal of
magnetic memory members across their surface in the direction of arrow 61.
Thus, they are able to slide over the interior surface of the downwardly
depending skirt or wall 44 when removed from the ledge 64.
The overall configuration is such that it allows for a tight indexing of
the top 12 and the bottom 14 so that the small ridge 140 can be seated
effectively when the entire clamshell is closed within the groove 142 of
the frontal wall 30.
Looking more particularly at FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, an alternative embodiment
for allowing the top 12 to move upwardly and downwardly and be secured in
the open clamshell configuration is shown. In this particular case, the
bottom side walls 26 and 28 are analogous in all respects to the prior
embodiment. Furthermore, the top side walls 20 and 22 are also analogous.
All other details are also similarly numbered, such as the frontal wall
portion 44 with the sloping ribs 60. Furthermore, the ledge 64 as shown in
the other embodiments is connected by the same slot 94 and tab 82 type of
configuration. In addition thereto, the bottom wall 28 incorporates a pin
analogous to pin 112 but not always identical thereto because of the
function that it must provide as hereinafter detailed.
In particular, a pin 112(a) has been shown formed with the wall 28 whereby
it extends inwardly to engage an arcuate groove 300. The arcuate groove
300 terminates in a bottom through-hole 302 and an upper through-hole 304.
The openings 302 and 304 respectively receive the pin 112(a) at the top
and bottom portion of the swing of the top lid 12 when it is moved with
the pin 112(a) riding and biased in the arcuate groove 300.
In order to provide for the through-hole 302, an expanded portion 310 of
the top wall 22 is provided for. This is received within a bottom groove
312 when the top 12 is completely enclosed within the bottom 14.
The pin 112(a) is initially seated within the opening 304. As the top 12 is
moved angularly backwardly, it causes the pin 112(a) to expand outwardly
away from the opening 304 and ride within the arcuate groove 300 until it
arrives within the through-hole 302 into which it is resiliently driven by
the resilient biasing of the side wall 28 in conjunction with the
resilience provided thereto, which can be enhanced by the rib 130 as
previously explained.
The function of the groove 300 allows for an arcuate swinging guide to the
top 12. There is sufficient support so that the top and the bottom 14 in
the open clamshell condition generally shown in FIG. 2 or in the closed
postion, as seen in FIG. 1 can be effectuated.
The hinge 16 is formed as a living hinge with the ledge 64 and has two
narrow webs 400 and 402 which are analogous in both embodiments. The
narrow portions 400 and 402 provide for a flexible opening and closing,
yet sufficient resiliency to drive the top 12 against its resting pin 112,
or pin 112(a) within the through-hole 302. A major spanning portion of the
hinge 16 is formed with a substantial degree of material beyond the amount
of the webs 400 and 402. This major portion 406 has an upright ridge 408
which is received on the exterior of the walls 26 and 28, so that its
leading surface when in the closed position, engages the rib 130 and the
sides of the wall 26 and 28. This effectively rigidifies the structure in
the closed condition so that the upper leading edge 408 can be received as
an outer rigidifying element to prevent outer expansion of the walls 26
and 28 when the container is in its closed configuration. The details of
this can be seen more effectively wherein the leading edge of the rib or
ridge 408 can be placed within the space 412 that exists between the rib
130 and the trailing edge of the walls 26 and 28.
METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
The method of manufacturing the foregoing product is substantially such
that it is formed from an injected molded plastic. The plastic can be in
the form of polypropylene or any other suitable equivalent, such as
polymers that have the flexibility and general equivalent resiliency of
polypropylene when in the configuration in which it is formed.
The conformation of the injected molded item should be such that the
binding 16 is formed as an integral item with the webs 400 and 402 between
the top 12 and the bottom 14 in one integrated conformation. When the item
is formed, it can be molded such that the item has the ledge 64 molded as
one unitary item with the back of the binding 16 relieved so that the
ledge 64 is not buckled. However, this is not absolutely necessary and
other alternatives can be utilized to make this container. However, it
should be understood that one of the outstanding features of this
invention is that it is molded as a single unitary structure which
includes the top 12, bottom 14, hinge 16 and ledge 64 formed as part of
the living hinge.
After the unit has been formed and molded with all the openings, ridges,
splines, grooves and other attendant items of this device, it can then be
assembled. However, it should be understood that it is molded in the
configuration generally shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, wherein the ledge 64
is molded in situ as part of the entire device in the manner whereby it is
formed on the binding or hinge 16. In its molded configuration, it serves
to provide a resilient firm ledge 64 upon which the magnetic memory
members, such as disks and diskettes can be stacked.
In order to have the ledge 64 connected to the top 12, the top is bent
forwardly on the hinge point 400 until the ledge 64 with its tabs 82 are
in direct alignment with the openings 94. In this manner, the tabs 82 are
then wedged into the openings 94 and are retained by means of the angle
tabs 90 engaging the sloping surface 96 of the opening 94. This thereby
accommodates a locking in place. However, it should be understood there is
a resilience of the side walls 20 and 22 of sufficient strength to hold
the tabs 82 in place within the openings 94. This thereby completes the
entire assembly of the device so it can then be utilized in its folded or
unfolded configuration.
OPERATION
In operation, the case is utilized with approximately ten disks or
diskettes resting on the interior between the ledge 64 and the inside
surface of the top 12. They are held in place until the box is opened to
its clamshell appearance. After the box has been opened, the pins of the
configuration of FIG. 8 are overriden by the pins being pulled from the
openings 110 into which they are normally indexed in the closed position.
After overriding the openings 110, they then slide on the interior surface
of the walls 20 and 22 until the walls override the pin and rest in the
position shown in FIG. 8 on the pins 112. In this configuration, the top
12 serves to reset thereagainst by the resilience of the hinge 16 pulling
the lid 12 forwardly against the surface of the pins 112 or any other
protuberance or blockage formed on the walls 26 and 28 in an equivalent
manner.
In order to close the container, the walls 20 and 22 can either be moved
laterally outwardly to slide beyond the interior dimensions of the pins
112 or a forceful downward movement of the top 12 against the pins 112 can
serve to override the pins 112 until the top 12 is completely folded into
the base. Upon folding into the base, the ledge 64 rests against raised
portions shown as arrows 15 and 18 that have been raised from the surface
of the bottom so that the ledge rests thereon and the disks are not
allowed to provide a substantial downward bending moment against the ledge
64. In addition thereto, the ridges 140 seat within the groove 142 in a
manner whereby the tight juxtaposition of the entire device in its folded
configuration provides a closure between the ridge 140 and the groove 142.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT
Looking more particularly at FIGS. 10 through 14, it can be seen that the
clamshell configuration of this invention has been opened in its resting
configuration on the side walls thereof. The invention includes the case
10 with an upper storage or lid section 12 and a lower portion 14. The two
are joined together by the hinge member 16.
The upper portion or cover 12 has the side walls 20 and 22, which are
chamfered as in the prior embodiment on the front end surfaces.
The top or lid portion 12 rests between the three walls of the base or
bottom, specifically walls 26, 28 and 30, analogous to the prior
embodiment.
In all other details, the container 10 is substantially similar to the
prior embodiment. However, the embodiment hereof incorporates two distinct
features that the other embodiments do not incorporate. One relates to a
guide in the bottom 14 which holds the side walls 20 and 22 in indexed
relationship.
In particular, two guide grooves or channels 600 and 602 are provided by
respective guide walls or fences 604 and 606. The guide walls 604 and 606
have inturned angular portions 608 and 610. The inturned angular portions
608 and 610 allow for the side walls 20 and 22 to be guided into the
grooves or channels 600 and 602, which are defined between the walls 28
and the guide wall 604 and the wall 26 and guide wall 606.
The guide walls and channels that are provided in the foregoing manner,
thereby cause the side walls 20 and 22 to be received in an indexed manner
in the grooves 600 and 602. This facilitates the retention of the side
walls 20 and 22 therein, while at the same time causing them to be
reinforced in their closed relationship. The foregoing guide walls 604 and
606 with their respective channels 600 and 602 prevent the side walls 20
and 22 from being moved laterally in a significant manner, or being
displaced or skewed, by external forces.
The foregoing feature can be seen in the guide wall section of FIG. 14. In
this particular instance, it can be seen that the side wall 22 has been
placed between the guide wall 604 and the side wall 28 in a facile manner,
so that it is held in situ. In addition thereto, the inwardly sloping
fences or inturned wall portions 608 and 610 help to guide the side walls
20 and 22 into the grooves 600 and 602 in an effective manner. With the
foregoing guiding and holding relationship in combination with the grooves
106 which receive the ridge 102, a significant amount of resilience and
strength is provided.
Looking more particularly at FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, it can be seen that an
alternative embodiment is shown for securing the top 12 in the open
position. In particular, there is no utilization of the prior arcuate
curves or the pin upon which the ledge 102 rests. Instead, there is a
triangularly shaped pin 700. The triangularly shaped pin 700 has a
dimension which can be seated within an opening 702 of the walls 20 or 22.
In particular, it can be seen that in FIGS. 11 and 12 the pin 700 has been
seated in the opening 702 in order to support the lid 12 in its open
position.
The pin 700 can be conformed in any particular configuration, so long as it
can slip into the opening 702, or any other suitable opening. In this
particular embodiment 702 has been shown as a rectangular opening and the
pin 700 has been shown as a triangular member. This is due to the fact
that upon angular seating of the pin, it readily can be inserted and
removed due to the angle of the triangular pin.
The triangular pin, or for that matter, any other pin that would fit into
an opening such as opening 702 extends from the interior edges of the
walls 26 and 28. Thus, in their extended configuration when not seated in
the opening, they are biased against the walls 20 and 22. When the walls
20 and 22 of the container are lifted from the closed position, they flex
somewhat outwardly until the pins 700 have been seated in the openings
702. The walls 26 and 28 flex outwardly during this entire movement and
upon seating within the openings 702 are spring biased inwardly so as to
support the top 12 in the open position.
After the top 12 has been supported in its open position and is ready for
closure, it can be forced downwardly so as to spring the walls 20 and 22
in relationship with the walls 26 and 28 respectively inwardly and
outwardly. This causes walls 20 and 22 to override against the pins 700 in
their biased relationship and return them to an opening 110 into which
they remain after the container 10 has been closed.
Opening 110 has been provided in order to effectuate a receipt of the pins
700 when the container is in the closed position. This avoids undue
flexure of the walls 26 and 28 outwardly, which would tend to cause a
certain degree of strain and fatigue on the walls.
The foregoing pins 700 can also be used wherein the portion 102 rests
thereagainst as in the prior embodiment. This can be effectuated due to
the spring biased relationship of the entire living hinge 16 being able to
hold the two top and bottom members 12 and 14 together in conjunction with
the wall 64 which biases the entire top 12 downwardly and toward the
bottom 14. Thus, an open seating of the top against the bottom can be
arranged by the pins 700 supporting the top 12 on ridge 102 as in the
prior embodiment. However, it is thought that in most cases the preferred
operation for this embodiment is to have the top 12 receive the pins 700
within the openings 702.
In effect, the pins 700 that seat within the openings 702 function in
somewhat of a similar manner to the pins 302 that are seated within the
arcuate portion 300. The pins 302 of course rest within the openings 304
when the top is closed and within the openings 302 when the top is opened.
This particular embodiment does not require the arcuate groove 300 for
guidance, but merely relies upon the fact that the pins 700 glide against
the side walls 20 and 22 of the top 12 until being seated within the
openings 702.
Thus, there is an avoidance of the requirement of having any kind of groove
in this particular embodiment to guide the top and bottoms respectively 12
and 14 in their travel. Furthermore, the walls 26 and 28 flex outwardly in
the direction of arrow A and arrow B to cause the pins 700 thereon to
glide against the surfaces of walls 20 and 22 until they have been seated
in the opening 110 in the closed position or the opening 702 in the open
position.
An important feature of this invention is that the walls 26 and 28 have
sufficient resiliency to flex outwardly, and be seated in the respective
openings 110 and 702. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the walls 20 and
22 can be used to provide the flexure necessary for the pin to flex
against them and move, particularly in those embodiments where the side
walls 26 and 28 are relatively stiff. However, in order to accommodate the
operation of the invention, bracing 130 has been shown as in the prior
embodiment which allow the resilience of the side walls 26 and 28 to be
retained. In this manner, the pins 700 are able to operate and flex
internally against the side walls 20 and 22 on an extended non-fatiguing
basis for continued seating of the pins 700 in the openings 702 when the
lid 12 is in the open position, and rest within the openings 110 when the
lid is in the closed position. As a consequence, this embodiment, although
incorporating many of the features of the prior invention, functions
differently and relies upon a different principle for seating the pin 700
within the opening 702. Also, as can be appreciated, various geometries of
openings 702 and 110 can be provided for receiving variously configured
pins analogous to pin 700.
The triangular shape is particularly adapted for the embodiment hereof
because of the fact that the top 12 is at an angular orientation. Thus,
the rectangular openings 700 have a front portion 704 and a rear portion
706 that allow the angular portion of the triangular tab 700 to be seated
properly against the wall and to override the interior surfaces of the
walls, namely surfaces 704 and 706. Thus, the wall can be overridden
easily and at the same time rest in an angular relationship therein.
However, it should be understood that any other matching pin in the form
of a rectangular element, round element, curved element, arcuate element,
or other elements can be used, as long as the pin analogous to pin 700 and
the openings 702 are matched. One consideration should be the ability of
the walls to flex to allow the pins 700 to ride along the walls 20 and 22
and at the same time have sufficient resiliency so as to cause the pins
700 to spring inwardly and outwardly of the openings 702 and 110.
The foregoing generally comprises the entire disclosure of this device, as
well as the method of manufacture and operation thereof. It is thought
that it is a substantial step as to its clamshell configuration, its
unitized structure and as to its overall configuration to be unobvious and
novel over the prior art. Accordingly, the following claims should be used
to construe the scope and spirit of the invention hereof.
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