Operation device for cassette type tape recorder

Claim 1

An operation device for a cassette recorder adapted to handle a tape cassette of the type having short sides, long sides and a notch in the long side, the notch being covered if the cassette is one to be recorded and being open if the cassette is one to be reproduced and played back, said device comprising: a chamber means having an open end for receiving said tape cassette with the short side thereof inserted and loaded first; a recording operation button adapted to be actuated to effect recording of the cassette; a first lever pivotally mounted on said receiving means and biased toward contact with the long side of a cassette when said cassette is inserted, said lever having a portion thereon aligned with said notch of an inserted cassette; a contact arm means disposed within said chamber means and coupled to said first lever, said arm means being contacted by said cassette when inserted into said chamber means so as to bias said first lever toward contact with said long side of said cassette; said contact arm means biasing said first lever to pivot from a first position to a second position, said first position being a position wherein the first lever is out of contact with the cassette, and said second position being a position wherein the first lever is pivoted into contact with the long side of the cassette; said first lever biased by said contact arm means being limited in its pivoting travel in the event that the notch in the long side of the cassette is covered and being allowed its full pivoting travel in the event that the notch is open; a second lever slidably mounted on said receiving means and cooperably engaged with said first lever; a biasing means for biasing said second lever to slide toward said recording operation button; and said second lever biased by said biasing means being slid to a position preventing actuation of the recording operation button in response to said full travel of said first lever.