Edge-loading tape deck or holder

Abstract

An edge-loading tape deck or holder drives a tape cassette reel-to-reel. A pair of abutments on each side of the recording head inside the holder positions the active edge of the cassette relative to the head and the cassette is urged against these abutments by a spring-loaded door hinged to the holder and overlying the cassette. The door and cassette cooperate to help position the cassette in each of two stable positions within the holder. In one position, the cassette lies completely within the holder and the drive spindles project into the cassette sprocket holes. In the other position, the cassette is free of the drive spindles and projects partially out of the holder so that it is accessible. The cassette is secured in its two operative positions by a bistable latch which cooperates with the cassette so that when either the latch or the cassette is moved from one of its stable positions to the other, it moves the cooperating element between the element's stable positions. Also, the system's drive unit and spindle-sprocket hole configuration are specially designed to minimize down time due to malfunctions and jams.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.