GB2131219A

GB2131219A - A security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine

Info

Publication number: GB2131219A
Application number: GB08313031A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Lawrence Puxty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-05-13
Filing date: 1983-05-12
Publication date: 1984-06-13
Also published as: GB2131219B; GB8313031D0

Abstract

A security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine (e.g. a video or audio cassette machine) comprises a substantially right parallelepipedal body 2a shaped to fit in a cassette port 1a of a cassette machine 1; a movable element 3 normally received within body 2a is movable from its normal position, to an extended position by a key-actuated locking mechanism 6, whereby the movable element 3 engages a wall of the cassette port 1a preventing removal of the body 2a. A top-loading embodiment is described (Figures 3, 4 not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine Video - lock This invention relates to a security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine, in particulay for a video cassette machine.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine, comprising a member receivable in the cassette port of a cassette machine and means for locking the member in the cassette port to prevent unauthorised use of the machine.

Generally, the locking means comprises a movable element normally received in the member, the element being movable from the normal position thereof to a position of use in which the movable element extends from the member by actuating means so that when the device is received in a cassette port, use of the actuating means causes the movable element, in the case of a front loading version, to engage a wall of the cassette port to lock the member in position. Or in the case of a top loading version, cause the movable element to extend from the member and to lock in place behind the lip that is present in the cassette port. Usually, the actuating means comprises a key-actuated locking mechanism.

Conveniently, the member is formed of a plastics material and normally, one or more of the surfaces of the member which contact the walls of the cassette port when the member is received therein, is padded with a resilient material.

In a preferred arrangement, the member is a substantially right parallelepipedal body, shaped to fit the cassette port of a cassette machine. Usually, the body is hollow and apertures may be provided in the body to receive the drive spindles of the cassette machine, so that the device is usable with a machine having nonretractable spindles. Conveniently, at least one surface of the body which in use of the device in a cassette port contacts a wall of the cassette port is padded with a resilient material.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how to put the same into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a front-loading video cassette player and/or recording machine provided with a security device embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the security device; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a top-loading video cassette player and/or recording machine, showing a different security device embodying the invention suitable for use in a top-loading machine, about to be inserted in the cassette port of the machine; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a top-loading security device locking mechanism.

Refering now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a security device suitable for insertion in a cassette port 1 a, of a front-loading machine 1, as shown in Figure 1,or any other similar machines in which the drive spindles (not shown) are made to be retractable to enable a cassette to be inserted.

As shown in Figure 2, the device comprises a member in the form of a substantially right parallelepipedal body 2a, preferably made of a plastics material. Normally the body 2a, will be hollow. A movable element 3, is received in a recess formed in one side surface 4, of the body 2a. The movable element 3, is connected to a locking mechanism 6.

The locking mechanism 6, is actuated by inserting a key (not shown) in a key-receiving aperture 7, of the locking mechanism and then turning the key to cause the element to move, so that the element extends from the side surface 4, of the body 2a.

In orderto minimise any possibility of damage to the cassette port 1 a, one or more of the surfaces of the body 2a, or movable element may be padded with a resilient material 5, for example a foam material. As shown in Figure 2, the one surface 4, and the opposing surface 8, are provided with resilient padding.

To use the device, the body 2a, is first inserted into the empty cassette port 1 a, of the cassette machine and then the key (not shown) is inserted in the key-receiving aperture 7, of the locking mechanism 6, to cause the movable element 3, to extend from the body 2a, and engage a wall of the cassette port of the machine to prevent removal thereof when the key is removed, so that the video cassette machine may not be used by anyone who does not have access to a key for the locking mechanism.

Figure 3 shows a top-loading version of the security device about to be inserted into a toploading machine. The body 2b, is substantially different from that of 2a, in that the body 2b, is made to the same approximate size and specification of a conventional video cassette body, with two apertures 10, provided through the body 2b, to receive the drive spindles (not shown) of the cassette machine. The movable element 12, is located at the top centre of the body 2b, and is connected to a locking device 14.

To use the top-loading device, the body 2b, is first inserted into the empty cassette port 1 'a, of the cassette machine 1', and then the key is inserted in the key- receiving aperture 15, of the locking mechanism 14, to cause the movable element 12, to extend from the body 2b, and engage behind the lip that is incorporated inside the top of the cassette port 1 'a, of the machine to prevent removal thereof when the key is removed so that the video cassette machine may not be used by anyone who does not have access to a key for the locking mechanism.

A security device embodying the invention, thus allows the owner of a video cassette machine to ensure that the machine is not used without his permission. In particular, the device will enable parents to control the material watched by their children, and to prevent the children watching films which are unsuitable for children, for example pornographic or "X- rated" films.

Preferably, the device will be provided in all video format sizes, but with particular reference to the following three basic sizes: One size being suitable for use with video cassette machines using VHS system.

One size being suitable for use with video cassette machines using the BETAMAX system.

And the other size suitable for use with video cassette machines using the V2000 system.

Of course, a device embodying the invention could also be used to prevent unauthorised use of an audio cassette machine.

Claims

1. A security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine, comprising a member receivable in the cassette port of a cassette machine and means for locking the member in the cassette port to prevent unauthorised use of the machine.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises a movable element normally received in the member, the element being movable from the normal position thereof to a position of use in which the movable element extends from the member by actuating means so that when the device is received in a cassette port, use of the actuating means causes the movable element to engage a wall of the cassette port, or in the case of the top-loading version, to engage behind the lip present on the inside top of the cassette port to lock the member in position.

3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the actuating means comprises a key-actuated locking mechanism.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the member is formed of a plastics material.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the surfaces of the member which contact the walls of the cassette port when the member is received therein, may be padded with a resilient material.

6. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the member is a substantially right para Ilelepipedal body shaped to fit the cassette port of a cassette machine.

7. A device according to Claim 5, wherein the body is hollow.

8. A device according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein apertures are provided in the body to receive the drive spindles of the cassette machine, so that the device is usable with a machine having nonretractable spindles.

9. A device according to Claim 6,7 or 8, wherein at least one surface of the body which in use of the device in a cassette port, contacts a wall of the cassette port may be padded with a resilient material.

10. A security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A security device for a cassette player and/or recording machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.

12. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.