Latch and handle assembly for magnetic recording disc cartridge

In a magnetic recording cartridge having a recording disc contained within a first housing, with a second separably-mating housing whereby separation of said second housing is effected by lifting said recording disc axially away from engagement with a portion of said second housing which extends transversely of the disc axis;

• an improved latch-handle assembly combined therewith, this assembly comprising:
• lift means comprising a pair of L-shaped posts and a lift plate;
• and
• grip means adapted to move about a pivot axis, said movement being between a first position substantially parallel to said disc and a second position relatively normal to the first position, being substantially perpendicular to the plane of said disc and generally parallel to said disc axis;
• this grip means including a cavity with a pair of slots adapted to receive said lift means, a pair of spring bias means and an urging means, the urging means being adapted to move from a first position to a second position, whereby in said first position the spring bias means is held in "disengaged" condition and whereby in said second position it facilitates release of said spring bias means to be spring-urged into "engaged" condition whereat to capture said lift means;
• said pair of spring bias means being thus adapted to be spring-urged from said "disengaged" to said "engaged" condition and so adapted to so capture said lift means;
• and
• said spring bias means being located at opposite means of said cavity and each of said bias means comprises a slide member having a hole at one end thereof and a spring at an end opposite said one end;
• said hole adapted to receive said L-shaped post, said spring is urged against the end of said cavity;
• and
• wherein, in said first position, said grip means is adapted to receive said lift means through said slots;
• said urging means being adapted to so urge said spring bias means to said "engaged" condition, and in a direction substantially perpendicular to said pivot axis, as well as being adapted to retain said spring bias means in said cavity.