Push-push locking and release mechanism for tape cartridge players
AssigneeStaar Development Company S.A.
InventorMarcel Jules Helene Staar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tape deck locking and release mechanism for tape cartridges which is operable by manual movement of the cartridge. In response to a manual insertion and first push, a locking assembly carried by the frame catches a locking member associated with the cartridge to lock the cartridge in the playback position. When the cartridge is pushed a second time beyond the playback position the locking assembly releases and the cartridge is returned by a return spring and ejected. Alternative constructions for the locking assembly are disclosed, and also illustrated is an automatic release and ejection responsive to the tape completing its movement from one spool to the other in a cassette type cartridge.
Claims12
A tape deck locking and release mechanism comprising, in combination, a frame carrying means for movably supporting a tape cartridge for movement into the frame toward and beyond a playback position in response to a manual insertion and push, a spring for imparting return movement to the cartridge, a locking member associated with the cartridge, a locking assembly carried by the frame for catching said locking member to lock said cartridge in the playback position when the cartridge is inserted and pushed beyond said playback position and returned by said return spring therefrom, means on said element cooperating with means on said member for releasing said locking member and unlocking the cartridge when the cartridge is manually pushed beyond said playback position from its locked playback position, and for enabling said return spring to eject said cartridge out of the frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.