Tandy Corporation

Ernest D Boshek

A reel-locking device for a video cassette. One or more stationary teeth are positioned to engage corresponding teeth on the perimeter of the video cassette tape reel. When the video cassette is inserted into a recorder, the recorder causes the reel to be raised above the effective height of the stationary tooth to disengage the reel from the tooth and permit rotation thereof.

Hub lock for video cassette

A cassette device for cleaning portions of a video cassette recorder is provided. The cassette device includes a first fluid applicator and a second fluid applicator, the second fluid applicator positioned to wet a portion of tape spaced from the portion wetted by the first applicator. Preferably, the second applicator also acts to position the tape to be spaced from the scanner in one circumferential portion of the scanner. The second applicator is fixedly, non-rotatably mounted to the cassette.

Method and apparatus for cleaning portions of a video cassette recorder

A container (11) for storage of a tape cassette (19) uses a mechanism (17) which automatically lifts or extends the cassette at least partially from the container when opened, thereby providing easier access to the cassette. The pushing mechanism uses a driver bar (17) mounted on driver pins (33) and positioned near the back (45) of the cassette when the container is closed. As the cover (13) is opened, the driver pins (33) sweep an arc about a hinge (23) connecting the cover with a base (15), and the driver bar (17) mounted on the pins will push the cassette from its stored position to an extended position to provide enhanced access for the user. In other embodiments, the pushing mechanism can include an elongated driver pin (33a) without the driver bar (17); the pin sweeps out an arc and pushes the cassette to the extended position.

Automatic extension cassette container

A cassette device for cleaning portions of a video cassette recorder is provided. The cassette device includes a first fluid applicator and a second fluid applicator, the second fluid applicator positioned to wet a portion of tape spaced from the portion wetted by the first applicator. Preferably, the second applicator also acts to position the tape to be spaced from the scanner in one circumferential portion of the scanner. A device is provided for contacting the tape along a defined circumferential portion of the first applicator to assure substantially continuous rotation of the first applicator without direct-driving the first applicator.

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

Ernest D Boshek