Tape cassette

Abstract

Abstract This disclosure relates to improvements in the construction and operation of tape cassettes of the type which are adapted to be received in a recording and/or playback device. One aspect of the disclosure relates to an arrangement by which a sensor in the recording/playback device may be actuated in response to insertion of the cassette into the device to control operation of the recording circuitry in the recording device. The recording or non-recording mode is selected by a switchable member on the cassette itself which determines whether or not the sensor in the device is or is not actuated. Also disclosed is an improved arrangement for mounting the pressure pad which maintains the tape loop in firm engagement with the transducer in the recording/playback device. A pair of pressure pads are provided on a specially constructed leaf spring which, when engaged by the head, are wrapped about the head and maintain full and firm contact between the tape loop and the head. The construction of the leaf spring also avoids any tendency for the spring and pad to shift laterally with respect to the head thus orienting the pressure pads properly at all times. The disclosure further includes improved arrangements for retarding variation in the heightwise position of the tape between the walls of the cassette so that as the tape is wound onto the reel in the cassette, it will do so evenly and smoothly and without forming any high spots. This is achieved by a specially formed sheet on the internal surface of the top and bottom cassette walls, the sheet having resilient, inwardly extending bumps which engage continually the edges of the tape. Even winding of the tape is enhanced further by providing a guide roller in each of the four corners of the cassette and biasing the guide rollers axially toward one or the other of the cassette walls. The provision of a guide roller in each of the cassette corners also minimizes any tendency for tape skew. Also included in the disclosure is an improved construction for the tape reels about which the tape is wound which avoids the formation of any flats or creases on the wound tape. The disclosure further includes an arrangement for the outer surface of the cassette which permits a label or the like to be imprinted directly on the cassette thus avoiding the requirement for separate printed labels which thereafter must be bonded to the outer surface of the cassette.

Inventors

• 👤 L Watkins

Bibliographic Details