Tape cassette loading system compatible with two different sized cassettes

A tape cassette loading system for selectively loading and unloading either one of first and second tape cassettes of different sizes containing a magnetic tape on and from a magnetic information recording and reproducing apparatus so that either one of the first and second tape cassettes assumes a loading state ready for wrapping the magnetic tape contained in the tape cassette around a rotary drum assembly located in a body of the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus by means of a tape loading mechanism when the selected tape cassette is loaded and such that the selected tape cassette assumes an unloading state ready for removal when the selected tape cassette is unloaded comprising:

• a tape cassette holding means comprising a tray having a side wall portion adapted to hold a first tape cassette having a first size so that the first tape cassette placed on the tray engages the tray without substantial play except in a front side direction and further having a depressed portion defined by side wall portions in said tray and adapted to hold a second tape cassette having a second size substantially smaller than the first size so that the second tape cassette placed on the depressed portion engages the depressed portion without substantial play except in a front side direction, said depressed portion being disposed on said tray such that the position of a supply reel of said first tape cassette placed on the tray substantially coincides with the position of a supply reel of said second tape cassette placed on the depressed portion, said tray having a cutout at the front side thereof for accommodating said tape loading mechanism, said cutout being provided adjacent to said front side of said depressed portion;
• a carriage means for holding the tape cassette holding means in a manner movable in a horizontal direction between a first state corresponding to the unloaded state of the selected tape cassette in which the tape cassette holding means is located at a first position which is substantially outside of a body of the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and a second state in which the tape cassette holding means is located at a second position inside of the body of the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, said carriage means having a closing member provided thereon for closing the cutout, said closing member comprising first and second engaging parts which respectively restrict the movement of said first and second tape cassettes in the front side direction when the tape cassette holding means is in said first state and which allows access to said first and second tape cassettes at the front side when the tape cassette holding means is in said loading state;
• a driving means for moving the tape cassette holding means horizontally between the first position and the second position;
• and
• an elevating mans for moving the tape cassette holding means vertically between the second position and a third position corresponding to the loading state of the tape cassette.