Apparatus for cleaning a video player/recorder

A cleaning apparatus to clean a playing and/or recording apparatus, wherein said player and/or recording apparatus comprises:

• a. a structure defining an operating location to receive a tape cassette in an operating position at the operating location;
• b. guide means adapted to engage a tape of said tape cassette at a tape engaging location and move said tape outwardly;
• c. a capstan at a capstan location to engage one side of said tape;
• d. a pinch roller that is movable relative to said capstan between a first non-operating location spaced from the capstan and a second operating location adjacent to the capstan so as to be able to engage a second side of the tape and press the tape against the capstan;
• said cleaning apparatus comprising:
• a. a cassette housing adapted to be positioned in the operating location of the playing and/or recording apparatus;
• b. a cleaning ribbon which in a retracted position extends along a forward edge portion of the housing, and which, with the cassette housing located in the operating location, is located to be engaged by said guide means and moved from said housing into a cleaning position;
• c. a capstan and pinch roller cleaning device mounted in said cassette housing and comprising:
• 1. a capstan cleaning portion which, with the cassette housing located in said operating location, is positioned adjacent the capstan location to be in cleaning engagement with the capstan at a first cleanning engagement location;
• 2. a pinch roller cleaning portion which, with the cassette housing located in said operating location, is positioned adjacent the second operation location of the pinch roller to be in cleaning engagement with the pinch roller at a second cleaning engagement location;
• d. said ribbon being positioned to reach between said capstan cleaning portion and said pinch roller cleaning portion, so as to be located between said first and second engagement locations, when cassette housing is in said operation location;
• whereby, with the cassette housing in said operating location, and upon operation of said playing and/or recording apparatus, said pinch roller and capstan grip the ribbon to move the ribbon along the length of the ribbon, and the capstan cleaning portion and the pinch roller cleaning portion are in cleaning engagement with the capstan and pinch roller respectively.

A capstan and pinch roller cleaning cartridge adapted to be mounted in a cassette cleaner to clean a playing and/or recording apparatus, wherein said playing and/or recording apparatus comprises:

• a. a structure defining an operating location to receive a tape cassette in an operating position at the operating location;
• b. guide means adapted to engage a tape of said tape cassette at a tape engaging location and move said tape outwardly;
• c. a capstan at a capstan location to engage one side of said tape;
• d. a pinch roller that is movable relative to said capstan between a first non-operating location spaced from the capstan and a second operating location adjacent to the capstan so as to be able to engage a second side of the tape and press the tape against the capstan;
• and wherein said cassette cleaner comprises:
• a. a cassette housing adapted to be positioned in the operating location of the playing and/or recording apparatus;
• b. a cleaning ribbon which in a retracted position extends along a forward edge portion of the housing, and which, with the cassette housing located in the operation location, is located to be engaged by said guide means and moved from said housing into a cleaning position to be in cleaning engagement with at least said head surface;
• said cartridge adapted to be mounted in said cassette housing comprising:
• a. a capstan cleaning portion mounted to said base frame, said capstan cleaning portion comprising a capstan cleaning member positioned to come into engagement with said capstan when said housing is in said operating position;
• c. a pinch roller cleaning portion which, with the cassette housing located in said operation location, is positioned to be in cleaning engagement with said pinch roller;
• d. said cartridge being arranged so that a portion of said ribbon is positioned to reach between said capstan cleaning portion and said pinch roller cleaning portion when said cassette housing is in said operating location;
• whereby, with the cassette housing in said operating location, and upon operation of said player and/or recording apparatus, said pinch roller and capstan grip the ribbon to move the ribbon along the length of the ribbon, and the capstan cleaning portion and the pinch roller cleaning portion are in cleaning engagement with the capstan and pinch roller, respectively.