Tape transport mechanism

A magnetic tape transport apparatus comprising:

• a drive capstan,
• take-up and supply reels rotatably supported on respective reel carriers,
• two mounting means which mount the respective reel carriers for movement relatively to said capstan, and
• a combination of pressure means and mechanical shock actuated coupling means, so connected between said two mounting means that said pressure means are normally effective to yieldingly urge said mounting means toward each other and hence said reels toward said capstan,
• said coupling means being responsive to exposure of said apparatus to mechanical shock for rendering the connection between said mounting means relatively unyielding so that the movement of the two reel carriers incident to said shock is limited and synchronized.

A magnetic tape transport apparatus forming part of a video camera, said apparatus comprising:

• a drive capstan,
• take-up and supply reels rotatably supported on respective reel carriers,
• two mounting means which mount the respective reel carriers for movement relatively to said capstan, and
• a combination of pressure means and mechanical shock actuated coupling means, so connected between said two mounting means that said pressure means are normally effective to yieldingly urge said mounting means toward each other and hence said reels toward said capstain,
• said coupling means being responsive to exposure of said apparatus to mechanical shock for rendering the connection between said mounting means relatively unyielding so that, incident to said shock, detachment of the reels from the capstan is obviated and contact pressure forces of the reels on the capstan are kept within limits.