US3896493A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Retractable head for tape recorder
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-10-30
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Granted: 1975-07-22
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Expires: 1993-10-30
Abstract
Abstract A tape cassette phonograph is so constructed that during its recording or reproducing operation, the tape head and pinch roller can be retracted from the tape, while the take-up reel continues to feed the tape forwardly at an increasing rate of travel. The tape head and pinch roller may be returned to operative engagement with the tape after a desired amount of tape has been fed forwardly.
Inventors
- 👤 Masatoshi Ando
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:38
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/18; G11B15/1883; G11B15/02; G11B15/10; G11B15/16; G11B15/44; G11B15/675; G11B15/6751; G11B15/67513
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
In a tape cassette phonograph wherein the cassette is provided with a take-up reel, said phonograph having a tape transducer head, a capstan and a pinch roller, driving means operative to drive the take-up reel and capstan, means mounting the head for movement into and out of operative engagement with the tape, means mounting the pinch roller for movements toward and from the tape to alternately press it into engagement with the capstan and to relieve such pressure, means normally biasing the head and pinch roller into engagement with the tape, control means for rendering the driving means inoperative to drive the take-up reel and capstan and for simultaneously retracting the head and pinch roller from the tape, means forming part of said control means and independently operable relative thereto to solely retract the head and pinch roller from the tape without rendering the drive means inoperative to drive the take-up reel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
In a tape cassette phonograph wherein the cassette is provided with a take-up reel, said phonograph having a tape transducer head, a capstan and a pinch roller, driving means operative to drive the take-up reel and capstan, means mounting the head for movement into and out of operative engagement with the tape, means mounting the pinch roller for movements toward and from the tape to alternately press it into engagement with the capstan and to relieve such pressure, means normally biasing the head and pinch roller into engagement with the tape, control means for rendering the driving means inoperative to drive the take-up reel and capstan and for simultaneously retracting the head and pinch roller from the tape, means forming part of said control means and independently operable relative thereto to solely retract the head and pinch roller from the tape without rendering the drive means inoperative to drive the take-up reel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
In a tape cassette phonograph in accordance with claim 1 wherein the head is mounted on a movable support and means operated by the movable support upon movement thereof in retracting the head from the tape to retract the roller from the tape to relieve the pressure against the capstan.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
In a tape cassette phonograph in accordance with claim 2 wherein said movable support is mounted for linear sliding movement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
In a tape cassette phonograph according to claim 1 including a plate movably mounted for movement toward and from the cassette. said driving means operative to drive the take-up reel comprising a driven spindle mounted on said plate for driving engagement with the take-up reel when the plate is moved toward said cassette, and means for selectively moving the plate toward and away from said cassette.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a tape cassette phonograph according to claim 4 wherein the capstan is supported on said plate, and means operated by said plate upon movement thereof away from the cassette for retracting said head, capstan and roller from the tape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
In a tape cassette phonograph according to claim 4 wherein said head is mounted on a support which is movable independently of the plate, and means operated by manual movement of the support to retract the head from the tape, said roller being simultaneously retracted from the tape while the driven spindle is in driving engagement with the take-up reel, by means on the support cooperating with said roller.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
In a tape cassette phonograph according to claim 6 including means operated by the plate in its movement away from the cassette for moving the support to retract said head and roller from the tape.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
116 words
In a tape cassette phonograph according to claim 1 wherein the driving means comprises a motor mounted on the phonograph chassis, a plate hinged to the chassis for movements toward and away therefrom by said control means, spindle means rotatably mounted on said plate for drivingly engaging the take-up reel of the cassette mounted on the chassis when the plate is moved toward said chassis, a flywheel fixed to said capstan, said capstan and flywheel being rotatably mounted on said plate, and means drivingly connecting the motor on the chassis to said flywheel and said spindle means, said transducer head and pinch roller being independently mounted on the chassis for movements toward and from the tape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-01-20 | 1979-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-21 | 1983-01-20 | 1983-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-21 | 1987-01-20 | 1987-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |