US3801042A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Latch for tape cassette reels
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-03-30
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Granted: 1974-04-02
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Expires: 1992-03-30
Abstract
Abstract Conventional tape casettes have tape wound about two reels which, when the casette is removed from its storage box or from the tape reels or transcribing machine, are free to unwind with possible consequent damage to the tape. A latch for one, or both, reels is provided which slides in a slot in the top of the casette, the latch and casette top having cam surfaces which cause an inward projection on the latch to frictionally engage the reel or the desk-like shield in which the shield is enclosed. Thus unintentional unwinding of the tape is prevented.
Inventors
- 👤 G Dobson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:58
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/04; G11B23/08; G11B23/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A casette having a cover, at least one reel in said cover, tape wound around said reel, means rotatably mounting said reel inside said casette, said cover formed with a slot extending to an inward terminus over said reel and an outer terminus adjacent an outer edge of said cover, a latch button at least partially within said slot, first means on said button engaging the underside of said cover to retain said latch button on said cover but permit said button to slide longitudinally of said slot, and second means on said cover having a ramp on its inner end engaged by said latch button to depress said second means when said latch button nears the inward terminus of said slot, said second means when depressed frictionally engaging said reel to restrain turning of said reel, said reel being free to turn in said casette when frictional engagement of said second means is overcome to prevent damage to said tape.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A casette having a cover, at least one reel in said cover, tape wound around said reel, means rotatably mounting said reel inside said casette, said cover formed with a slot extending to an inward terminus over said reel and an outer terminus adjacent an outer edge of said cover, a latch button at least partially within said slot, first means on said button engaging the underside of said cover to retain said latch button on said cover but permit said button to slide longitudinally of said slot, and second means on said cover having a ramp on its inner end engaged by said latch button to depress said second means when said latch button nears the inward terminus of said slot, said second means when depressed frictionally engaging said reel to restrain turning of said reel, said reel being free to turn in said casette when frictional engagement of said second means is overcome to prevent damage to said tape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A casette according to claim 1 in which said second means is resilient and is biased toward a position out of engagement with said reel and said latch button is held by friction in latched position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A casette according to claim 2 in which said second means comprises a wire held in said cover and extending lengthwise of said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A casette according to claim 3 in which said wire is bent to form said ramp slanted away from said reel, said button formed with a groove in which said wire is received.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A casette according to claim 1 in which said cover is formed with a second slot parallel to said first-mentioned slot, the cover material between said slots comprising said second means, said button formed with a groove on its underside receiving said second means, said first means comprising legs extending through said slots and having outward extending feet at their inner ends sliding under said cover outward of said slots.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A casette according to claim 5 in which said second means is thickened to form said ramp at its inner end.
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) | 1977-04-01 | 1977-10-01 | 1978-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-01 | 1981-10-01 | 1982-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-01 | 1985-10-01 | 1986-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |