Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Jerrold K Weeks

Thomas A Turgeon

James E Skavnak

John F Kaman

An adaptor for using a tape cartridge in a standard VHS videotape machine. The adaptor includes a thumb operated winder and a take up reel. The take up reel includes a clutch to minimize drag on the winder.

Videotape adaptor for use with a cartridge

An adaptor for converting a video cartridge to a videocassette format. The adaptor includes a tether band which is used to draw tape from the cartridge and guide the tape across the tape path to a take-up reel inside the adaptor. The tether band is a self supporting cantilever structure eliminating the need for a positive locking clasp connection between the tape and the tether. A single axis non clasping interconnector for use with the band is shown with complimentary alignment zones.

Tether band and interconnector for videotape cartridge adaptor

An adaptor of the type used to convert a tape cartridge to a cassette format. The adaptor uses a tether to guide tape from the supply reel to the take-up reel. The adaptor has a tether keeper assembly which is used: to position the tether for mating engagement with the tape connector; to retain the tether assembly while the cartridge is out of the adaptor; and to release the tether during the insertion of the cartridge into the adaptor.

Tether keeper for videotape cartridge adaptor

A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (20) with a tape reel assembly (30) therein. The tape reel assembly (30) includes a length of tape (56) with a connector (64) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (15) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a tape-up reel (17). The tape reel assembly (30) is supported within the housing (20) for limited floating movement between up and down positions, but is normally biased toward the down position by a hold down ring (74). A clutch (66-70) provides controlled tape slippage within the tape reel assembly (30), which is normally secured against unwinding by a brake assembly (102-116) until the cartridge (14) has been inserted into the carrier (12).

Insertable tape cartridge for videocassette having a reel restraining

A videotape cartridge and adaptor having an internal ratchet brake mechanism to engage the cartridge tape supply reel for preventing tape spillage and having an external shape which cooperates with the adaptor to locate and protect tape interconnection mechanisms.

Growing community of inventors

Hudson, WI, United States of America

Jerrold K Weeks