Protective cartridge case having zero-tension latch

Abstract

A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge is provided. The protective cartridge case includes a housing having a top and bottom portion for enclosing a storage cartridge, the top and bottom portions having major surfaces that oppose each other along a vertical direction, and a latch member for selectively securing the top portion and bottom portion in a closed position. The latch member secures the top and bottom portion in a closed position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the horizontal direction.

1 . A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge having at least one reel, the protective cartridge case comprising:
 a housing for enclosing a storage cartridge, the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion having major surfaces that oppose each other along a vertical direction when in a closed position,   a latch member for selectively securing the top portion and bottom portion in the closed position, wherein the latch member secures the top and bottom portion in the closed position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the horizontal direction.   
     
     
         2 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 1 , wherein the latch member comprises a ridge feature for engaging a latch catch feature for catching the ridge feature of the latch member in a closed position. 
     
     
         3 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 2 , wherein the ridge feature of the latch member is adapted for passing by the catch feature to a closed position in response to a forced applied to the latch member. 
     
     
         4 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 2 , wherein the latch member is rotatably attached to the top portion and the latch catch feature is associated with the bottom portion. 
     
     
         5 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 2 , wherein the latch member further secures the top and bottom portion in the closed position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the vertical direction. 
     
     
         6 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 1 , further comprising a first absorbing member disposed adjacent the major surface of the top portion. 
     
     
         7 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 1 , further comprising a second absorbing member disposed adjacent the major surface of the bottom portion. 
     
     
         8 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 1 , further comprising a third absorbing member disposed adjacent a first minor surface of the housing and positioned to oppose at least one minor surface of the storage cartridge. 
     
     
         9 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 1 , wherein substantially zero tension comprises a tension of less than 1 pound-force. 
     
     
         10 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 1 , wherein substantially zero tension comprises a tension of less than 0.1 pound-force. 
     
     
         11 . A protective cartridge case for housing a storage cartridge having at least one reel, the protective cartridge case comprising:
 a housing for enclosing a storage cartridge, the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion having major surfaces that oppose each other along a vertical direction when in a closed position,   a latch member for selectively securing the top portion and bottom portion in the closed position, wherein the latch member secures the top and bottom portion in the closed position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the vertical direction.   
     
     
         12 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 11 , wherein the latch member comprises a ridge feature for engaging a latch catch feature for catching the ridge feature of the latch member in a closed position. 
     
     
         13 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 12 , wherein the ridge feature of the latch member is adapted for passing by the catch feature to a closed position in response to a forced applied to the latch member. 
     
     
         14 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 12 , wherein the latch member is rotatably attached to the top portion and the latch catch feature is associated with the bottom portion. 
     
     
         15 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 12 , wherein the latch member further secures the top and bottom portion in the closed position with substantially zero tension on the latch member in the horizontal direction. 
     
     
         16 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 11 , further comprising a first absorbing member disposed adjacent the major surface of the top portion. 
     
     
         17 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 11 , further comprising a second absorbing member disposed adjacent the major surface of the bottom portion. 
     
     
         18 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 11 , further comprising a third absorbing member disposed adjacent a first minor surface of the housing and positioned to oppose at least one minor surface of the storage cartridge. 
     
     
         19 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 11 , wherein substantially zero tension comprises a tension of less than 1 pound-force. 
     
     
         20 . The protective cartridge case of  claim 11 , wherein substantially zero tension comprises a tension of less than 0.1 pound-force.