Video disc player having unitary record handling platform construction

Abstract

To load a record into a player, such as a video disc player, a record caddy is inserted into the player housing through an input slot. The player is equipped with rails for guiding caddy insertion along a path. A record extracting mechanism mounted in the player removes the enclosed record from the caddy during subsequent caddy withdrawal, whereby the record is retained in the player. A platform mounted in the housing is subject to motion between an elevated position and a depressed position. In the elevated position, the platform supports the retained record in the raised position. The retained record is transferred to a turntable for rotation therewith when the platform is depressed. The player is further equipped with a second set of rails for guiding a signal pickup carriage along a second path disposed parallel to the caddy path. A translating apparatus drives the pickup carriage along the carriage guide rails at a speed correlated to the speed of rotation of the turntable during playback. Both the caddy guiding rails and the carriage guiding rails are integrally secured to the platform.