US3625519A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Random playback mechanism for phonograph device
Assignee: Mattel Inc
•
Filing: 1969-09-02
•
Granted: 1971-12-07
•
Expires: 1989-09-02
Abstract
Abstract The record is a flexible endless record tape or band which has a plurality of parallel sound tracks over substantially the entire length thereof. At the juncture between the beginning and ends of these sound tracks a transition section means or guide track means cooperates with all of the sound tracks to carry the stylus to one side of the record. At least one hole is punched through the record where the guide track is at one side of the record. The random playback mechanism has a stylus which is continuously engaged in either one of the sound tracks or the guide track, depending upon its relative position. During normal play it is in one of the sound tracks, and when the end of play is reached, the guide track carries the stylus to one side. A pin engages the hole in the record, which pin is connected to a pawl which spins a random cam. The cam acts as a stop for transverse motion of the stylus as it is moving out of the guide track into one of the sound tracks so that, as the stylus engages the cam as a stop, the next sound track to be played is randomly selected.
Inventors
- 👤 Berne E Danielsen
- 👤 Reginald M Dowsing
- 👤 Melvin R Kennedy
- 👤 John W Ryan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:19
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B33/00; G11B33/02; G11B33/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
In a phonograph playback device having a recorded message carrier means and sound pickup means, said recorded message carrier means having a plurality of side-by-side sound track means recorded thereon, said sound pickup means being movable laterally across said sound track means and positionable with respect to said sound track means to pick up sounds from one of said sound track means, the improvement comprising: means for randomly positioning said sound pickup means with respect to said sound track means and comprising cam means rotatably mounted in said playback device for free spinning rotation about an axis parallel to the movement of said pickup means, said cam means being engageable by said sound pickup means to position said pickup means with respect to said sound track means; and movable means on said device momentarily engageable with said cam means for applying a single impulse thereto whereby said cam spins freely to a random stop position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a phonograph playback device having a recorded message carrier means and sound pickup means, said recorded message carrier means having a plurality of side-by-side sound track means recorded thereon, said sound pickup means being movable laterally across said sound track means and positionable with respect to said sound track means to pick up sounds from one of said sound track means, the improvement comprising: means for randomly positioning said sound pickup means with respect to said sound track means and comprising cam means rotatably mounted in said playback device for free spinning rotation about an axis parallel to the movement of said pickup means, said cam means being engageable by said sound pickup means to position said pickup means with respect to said sound track means; and movable means on said device momentarily engageable with said cam means for applying a single impulse thereto whereby said cam spins freely to a random stop position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said pickup means carries a cam follower acting against said cam means and serving as a stop for said pickup means in its movement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said recorded message carrier means is provided with a hole and wherein said means for spinning said cam means comprises a movable pawl, a pin attached to said pawl, said pawl being movable with respect to said cam means and engageable with said cam means so that motion of said pawl causes motion of said cam means, said pin being engageable in the hole in the recorded message carrier means to move the pawl.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The improvement of claim 3 wherein said pawl and said pin are mounted on a pawl plate, and wherein said improvement includes resilient means acting on said pawl plate to urge said pawl to a rest position wherein said pawl is away from engagement with said cam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The improvement of claim 4 including a backing plate positioned behind said pawl plate, and a ramp on said backing plate, said ramp being so related to said pin on said pawl plate that motion of said backing plate causes said pin to engage said ramp and urge said pin out of engagement with said hole in said recorded message carrier means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The improvement of claim 5 including record drive means having an electric motor and an electric switch means, said switch means being connected to said pawl plate and to said motor so that said switch means is closed when said pawl plate is in said rest position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The improvement of claim 6 wherein said cam is shiftable from a position where it exercises control of said pickup means through a first range of control to a position where it exercises control of said pickup means through a second range of control.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-06 | 1975-06-07 | 1975-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-06 | 1979-06-07 | 1979-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-06 | 1983-06-07 | 1983-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |