Inventors:
John Gelardi - Cape Porpoise ME
Dick Rolfe - Biddeford ME
Alan Lowry - Canton MA
Craig Lovecky - Old Orchard Beach ME
Assignee:
Shape Inc. - Biddeford ME
International Classification:
G11B 1532
Abstract:
An integral actuator/reel lock/spring for a video cassette is described, including: (a) a lock body having a first end and a second end, an inclined opening at the first end to receive a tape player/recorder pin, lateral wings, angled grooves and a lead in for a self-centering rib in the cassette base; and (b) a spring bar connected centrally at the second end of the lock body, the spring bar including a pawl and a lower dog leg combination formed at each end. The lock body is received in the cassette base in an area defined by: (a) a first, elongated, central portion having parallel side walls, between which is formed a self-centering rib; and (b) a pair of lateral, substantially triangular walled portions, each spaced from the central portion. The lock body fits substantially within the central portion with the wings extending above the parallel walls, the grooves resting on the parallel walls, the spring bar extending across the parallel walls, the pawls pivotably mounted against the lateral portions and the dog legs underlaying the reels. In the "locked" position, the biasing spring bar normally urges the lock body inward in the central portion.