Retention device for endless cartridge tape recorder

Abstract

A cartridge locking mechanism for a tape player device adapted to receive and play an endless tape cartridge having a front inclined side wall and a recess on the side, includes a bracket member, having a cartridge engaging member thereon, pivotally mounted to the tape player for movement into and out of the cartridge receiving opening. A cartridge sensing plate is also pivotally mounted to the chassis and includes an end portion biased into the cartridge receiving opening and engageable with the front inclined beveled side wall of the cartridge upon the insertion of the cartridge into the tape player. The end opposite the one end portion is engageable with the bracket member to hold the bracket member away from the cartridge receiving opening. Upon insertion of the cartridge into the player, the front inclined side wall of the cartridge engages the end portion of the sensing plate to deflect and rotate the sensing plate away from the cartridge receiving opening. Such movement disengages the other end from the bracket member such that spring means, coupled to the bracket member, biases the bracket member and the cartridge engaging member into engagement with the recess on the side of the cartridge to hold the cartridge in the playing position in the tape player device.