Tape caddy

Abstract

A tape holding device that holds and protects a microcassette. The tape holding device includes a pair of opposing rails, a stop tab and a retention button for securing the microcassette to the device. The device further includes a pair of upper holes through which a clip can be inserted to secure the tape holding device to a file folder. The tape holding device also includes side holes that allow the device to be inserted onto two rings of a three-ring binder. The tape holding device further includes a groove that allows the device to be flexed up and provides a recess for accepting a binder clip. The tape holding device also includes retention flights so that allow a rubber band to secure the device to a file folder. The tape holding device further includes a message area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a device for holding a tape and, more particularly, to a single piece plastic molded device for protecting and holding a microcassette, where the device includes holes for mounting the device to a file folder or binder.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Certain professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, etc., sometimes use a tape recorder, such as the model BM-575 available from Sony, for recording various documents, letters, thoughts, information, data, etc. onto a microcassette. The recorded information on the microcassette can then be transcribed into text or can be listened to so the information thereon can be reviewed. Because microcassettes are very small, about 1½ inches by 1 inch, they sometimes get lost or separated from the file that they are associated with. Thus, the information, data, etc., recorded thereon is also lost possibly affecting the productivity of the professional. Further, the microcassette is somewhat fragile, and thus, can be easily damaged, which could also cause the information thereon to be lost. Also, it is inconvenient to try and keep the microcassette with the file. Sometimes the professional will use a rubber band to bind the microcassette to the file until it is transcribed. In some cases, the microcassette may become a permanent part of the record in the file.

It would be desirable to provide a tape holder that protected the microcassette and reliably secured it to the file that it is associated with.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a tape holding device is disclosed that holds and protects a microcassette. The tape holding device includes a pair of opposing rails, a stop tab and a retention button for securing the microcassette to the device. The device further includes a pair of upper holes through which a clip can be inserted to secure the tape holding device to a file folder. The tape holding device also includes side holes that allow the device to be inserted onto two rings of a three-ring binder. The tape holding device further includes a groove that allows the device to be flexed up when it is clipped to the file folder, and provides a recess for accepting a binder clip. The tape holding device also includes at least one retention flight positioned adjacent to one of the rails so that a rubber band can be placed between the retention flight and the rail to secure the device to a file folder. The tape holding device further includes a message area that accepts a dry erase marker or a sticky note so that the microcassette can be identified.

Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape holding device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, attached to a file folder;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the tape holding device shown in FIG. 1 removed from the file folder;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tape holding device shown in FIG. 2 through line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tape holding device shown in FIG. 2 through line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the tape holding device attached to the file folder and showing a hinge of the device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tape holding device attached to a file folder by a binder clip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tape holding device attached to a clipboard; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tape holding device attached to a file folder by a rubber band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following discussion of the embodiments of the invention directed to a tape holding device for holding and protecting a microcassette is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape holding device 10, according to the invention, for holding and protecting a microcassette 12, where the device 10 is shown attached to a file folder 14. FIG. 2 is a front view, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through line 3-3 and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through line 4-4 of the device 10 separated from the file folder 14. The tape holding device 10 is a single piece member molded of a suitable plastic for the purposes described herein, such as polypropylene. As will be described in detail below, the device 10 includes a base plate 16 to which are formed various elements of the device 10.

The tape holding device 10 includes a tape holding area 18 including opposing L-shaped side rails 20 and 22, a stop tab 24 and a flexible release/retention button 26. The button 26 extends above the base plate 16 when it is in it's relaxed position. To insert the microcassette 12 into the tape holding area 18, the button 26 is pressed down and the microcassette 12 is slid over the button 26 between the rails 20 and 22 and positioned against the stop tab 24, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2. In this position, the microcassette 12 is held between a back portion 30 and top flanges 32 and 34 of the side rails 20 and 22, respectively. A ridge 36 on the underside of the flange 32 and a ridge 38 on the underside of the flange 34 maintain the microcassette 12 against the back portion 30. One end of the microcassette 12 is positioned against the stop tab 24 and an opposite end of the microcassette 12 is positioned against an edge of the raised button 26. When the microcassette 12 is released from the holding area 18, the button 26 is pressed down through a cut out area 42 in the back plate 16 so that the microcassette 12 can be slid over the button 26 to be removed from the device 10.

The tape holding device 10 also includes associated upper holes 48 and 50 formed at a top portion 52 of the device 10 that are spaced apart from each other the distance that accommodates papers cut by a conventional two-hole punch. A clip 54, such as an Acco clip, mounted to and holding papers 58 in the file folder 14 can be inserted through the holes 48 and 50 and bent down in a conventional manner to attach the device 10 to the file folder 14, as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, a lower binder hole 56 is formed through the back plate 16 at a side portion of the device 10 a distance from the top hole 48 to accommodate two rings of a three-ring binder (not shown). Therefore, the tape holding device 10 can be secured to the three-ring binder.

A recess or channel 60 extends across the base plate 16 proximate the top portion 52 below the holes 48 and 50 and defines a hinge so that the base plate 16 can be raised off of the papers 58 mounted in the file folder 14 so that the papers 58 below the tape holding device 10 can be viewed without removing the device 10 from the file folder 14. Operation of the hinge is shown in FIG. 5.

The channel 60 also provides a groove so that the tape holding device 10 can be reliably mounted to a file folder 74, or other support structure, by a binder clip 70, as shown in FIG. 6. The top portion 52 includes a U-shaped edge 72 so that a middle portion of the top portion 52 is close enough to the channel 60 to accommodate the smallest binder clip.

The channel 60 also provides a groove to accommodate a clip 76 of a clipboard 78 to secure the tape holding device 10 to the clipboard 78, as shown in FIG. 7.

The tape holding device 10 also includes two retention flights 62 and 64 positioned adjacent to the rail 22, as shown. The area between the rail 22 and the retention flights 62 and 64 provides a location that allows a rubber band 80 to reliably hold the tape holding device 10 to a file folder or stack of papers 82, as shown in FIG. 8.

The tape holding device 10 also includes a message area 66 provided at a lower portion of the base plate 16. The message area 66 provides a flat surface that a sticky note can be attached to so that a description of the contents of the microcassette 12 can be written thereon. Also, the plastic material of the device 10 allows a dry erase marker to be written directly on the message area 66 for the same purpose.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A tape holding device for holding a tape, said device comprising:

a base plate; and

a tape holding portion provided on the base plate, said tape holding portion including opposing L-shaped rails, a stop tab and a flexible button, said tape being held in the tape holding portion by the opposing side rails, the stop tab and the button so that the tape can be removed from the tape holding portion by pressing the button and sliding the tape between the rails and over the button.

2. The tape holding device according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of upper holes formed in the base plate a predetermined distance apart for accepting a clipping device for securing the tape holding device to a file folder.

3. The tape holding device according to claim 1 further comprising a channel formed in the base plate between the upper holes and the tape holding portion, said channel defining a hinge for allowing the base plate to be flexed on the channel.

4. The tape holding device according to claim 1 further comprising a lower hole formed in the base plate and being spaced a predetermined distance from one of the upper holes for accepting two rings of a three-ring binder.

5. The tape holding device according to claim 1 further comprising a flat message area on the base plate.

6. The tape holding device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one retention flight extending from the base plate proximate to one of the rails.

7. The tape holding device according to claim 6 wherein the at least one retention flight is a pair of retention flights.

8. The tape holding device according to claim 1 wherein the tape holding portion holds a microcassefte.

9. The tape holding device according to claim 1 wherein the tape holding device is a single piece plastic molded member.

10. A tape holding device for holding a tape, said device comprising:

a base plate;

a tape holding portion provided on the base plate for holding the tape;

a pair of upper holes formed in the base plate a predetermined distance apart for accepting a clipping device for securing the tape holding device to a file folder; and

a channel formed in the base plate, said channel defining a hinge for allowing the base plate to be flexed on the channel.

11. The tape holding device according to claim 10 further comprising a lower hole formed in the base plate and being spaced a predetermined distance from one of the upper holes for accepting two rings of a three-ring binder.

12. The tape holding device according to claim 10 further comprising a flat message area on the base plate.

13. The tape holding device according to claim 10 further comprising at least one retention flight extending from the base plate proximate to one of the rails.

14. The tape holding device according to claim 13 wherein the at least one retention flight is a pair of retention flights.

15. The tape holding device according to claim 10 wherein the tape holding portion holds a microcassette.

16. The tape holding device according to claim 10 wherein the tape holding device is a single piece plastic molded member.

17. A tape holding device for holding a tape, said device comprising:

a base plate;

a tape holding portion provided on the base plate, said tape holding portion including opposing L-shaped rails, a stop tab and a flexible button, said tape being held in the tape holding portion by the opposing side rails, stop tab and the buttons so that the tape can be removed from the tape holding portion by pressing the button and sliding the tape between the rails and over the button;

a pair of upper holes formed in the base plate a predetermined distance apart for accepting a clipping device for securing the tape holding device to a file folder;

a channel formed in the base plate between the upper holes and the tape holding area, said channel defining a hinge for allowing the base plate to be flexed on the channel;

a lower hole formed in the base plate and being spaced a predetermined distance from one of the upper holes for accepting two rings of a three-ring binder;

at least one retention flight extending from the base plate proximate to one of the rails; and

a flat message area on the base plate.

18. The tape holding device according to claim 17 wherein the at least one retention flight is a pair of retention flights.

19. The tape holding device according to claim 17 wherein the tape holding portion holds a microcassette.

20. The tape holding device according to claim 17 wherein the tape holding device is a single piece plastic molded member.