Miniature type tape cassette

Claim 1

A miniature type tape cassette which may be used with either a standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus which operates with a standard type tape cassette or with a different type of recording and/or reproducing apparatus which uses miniature cassettes, said miniature type tape cassette comprising: a cassette case having a size which is smaller than the size of said standard type tape cassette; and a tape accommodated within said cassette case, tape cassette adapter means in the external form and size of a standard type tape cassette, said miniature type tape casette being independently loadable into said different type of recording and/or reproducing apparatus, and being loaded into said standard type recording and/or reproducing apparatus when mounted in said tape cassette adapter having said external form and size which is substantially equal to the form and size of said standard type tape cassette, said miniature type tape cassette being accommodated within said tape cassette adapter from which said tape is drawn out to form a predetermined tape path, said tape cassette adapter having tape draw-out means which operatively moves between first and second positions for drawing the tape from the cassette case to form said predetermined tape path responsive to a movement from said first position to said second position, and holding means which operatively moves between locking and unlocking positions for holding the miniature type tape cassette when it is accommodated within said tape cassette adapter responsive to moving from said unlocking position to said locking position, said holding means assuming said locking position to prevent a removal of the miniature type tape cassette from the tape cassette adapter when said tape draw-out means assumes a position other than said first position responsive to an operation of said tape draw-out means, said cassette case having a cutout opening which receives said tape draw-out means in said first position, and a cutout part which receives said holding means when said holding means assumes said locking position.