GB2286383A

GB2286383A - Tape cassette locking device

Info

Publication number: GB2286383A
Application number: GB9402540A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Paul Denton; Susan Anne Denton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-02-10
Filing date: 1994-02-10
Publication date: 1995-08-16
Also published as: GB9402540D0; GB9411687D0

Abstract

The device is intended for use with a cassette of the kind comprising a case 1 containing a tape wound on a pair of spools 5 each having a central recess for receiving the drive mechanism of a cassette player. The device comprises a body 2 which is dimensioned to be inserted in the spool recess and has axial ribs 3. A tongue 8 can be rotated by a cylinder lock to be inserted between the spool 5 and the case 1, thereby retaining the body in the spool to prevent engagement by the drive mechanism. <IMAGE>

Description

SPOOL ACCESS INHIBITOR TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cassettes and in particular the type capable of transmitting either audio or visual transmissions through a suitable playing device.

BACKGROUND Over the years video cassettes have become increasing popular as they provide the facility to record information so that a viewer can replay the material at their convenience and at a reasonable cost.

However, one problem that has emerged is the ease in which unauthorised individuals may view the material without the consent of the person responsible for it. In particular one may cite instances where children have obtained and viewed a video copy which is unsuitable for their consumption.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a means whereby access to the material recorded on the video cassettes can be denied by the addition of a simple inexpensive retro locking mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention proposes a locking mechanism and housing that may be installed into the female drive gear of a spool in such a fashion that the male drive mechanism from a suitable playing device may not enter the said female spool gear.

In a further aspect to the invention there may be provided a suitably shaped arm or arms connected to the locking mechanism that can be positioned once the locking mechanism and housing are located into the female drive gear of the spool in such a fashion that the locking mechanism and housing will be held securely in place into the female drive gear spool by means of the said arm or arms locating into or under or around the video cassette housing.

In a further aspect to the invention said locking mechanism and housing may be suitably flat on its exposed end or ends so that when it is installed into the said female drive spool there is little protruding from the surface of the said cassette thus allowing compact and neat storage when not in use.

In an alternative aspect to the invention the said locking mechanism and housing may comprise a component that expands in such a fashion that will cause the mechanism and housing to be locked into the said female drive gear spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practise. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a common form of video cassette and retro fit locking mechanism and housing.

Fibre 2 is a sectional and plan view of the said locking mechanism and housing.

Figure 3 is a sectional and plan view of the said locking mechanism and housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a video cassette where 1 is the main body of the cassette and 2 is the locking mechanism and housing.

Surrounding the periphery of the male locking mechanism housing 1 is a series of teeth 3 which correspondingly fit into the teeth 4 positioned in the centre of the female drive spool 5 in the main body 1.

When the locking mechanism 2 is inserted into spool 5 flange face 6 which is attached to locking mechanism 2 sits on the surface face of spool 7 thus ensuring that the locking mechanism 2 is positioned correctly to allow the locking procedure to take place.

With locking mechanism 2 fully inserted into spool 5 such that flange face 6 is against spool face 7 then locking tag 8 is rotated into such a position that it is located in gap 9 already provided for between the cassette body of 1 and the female spool 5.

Figure 2 shows locking mechanism 2 with tag 8 in the unlocked position thus allowing locking mechanism 2 to be positioned into spool 7.

Tag 8 is located onto and pivoted around lock tumbler barrel 10 which is in turn held securely in the body 11. The tag 8 has a crank 12 formed into it so the end 13 may be sufficiently low to the body 11 thus enabling it to slide snugly into gap 9 between spool 7 and cassette casing 1.

In the centre of locking tumbler barrel 10 is a key hole 14 for operation by a bespoke key. It will be noted that the tumbler barrel 10 is offset at 15 in cassette body 11.

Figure 3 shows tag 8 reaching away from cassette body 11 having been rotated around the barrel 10 in offset position 15.

In use the locking mechanism 2 is inserted into the gears 4 of spool 5 whereupon the key (not shown) is rotated which in turn rotates tag 8 into gap 9 of the video cassette.

Once locked the key is removed and the cassette 1 is unusable.

Claims

1. A blocking device for securing a cassette against unauthorised use, the cassette being of the kind comprising a case containing a tape wound on a pair of spools each having central recesses for receiving the drive mechanism of a cassette player, wherein the blocking device comprises a body which is dimensioned to be inserted in the said recess of at least one of the spools and is arranged to be retained therein to prevent engagement by such a mechanism.

2. A blocking device according to Claim 1, in which the body is of generally cylindrical shape.

3. A blocking device according to Claim 2, in which the body is tapered towards the leading end, in the direction of insertion.

4. A blocking device according to any preceding claim, in which the body has a projecting flange at its trailing end, in the direction of insertion.

5. A blocking device according to any preceding claim, in which the body has at least one axial rib.

6. A blocking device according to any preceding claim, which comprises a projecting locking member which can be retracted to permit insertion of the body into the spool recess.

7. A blocking device according to Claim 6, in which the locking member comprises a tongue for insertion between the spool and the case.

8. A blocking device according to Claim 6 or 7, in which the locking member is operated by a cylinder lock.

9. A blocking device according to any of Claims 6 to 8, in which the locking member is rotatable about an axis which is substantially parallel to the direction of insertion of the device.

10. A blocking device according to any of Claims 6 to 8, in which the locking member is linearly movable in a direction which is transverse to the direction of insertion of the body.

11. A blocking device according to Claim 10, in which the locking member is springloaded to the projecting position.

12. A blocking device according to Claim 11, in which the locking member is chamfered on its leading face, in the direction on insertion, to provide for retraction against the spring-loading during contact with the case upon insertion of the device into the spool recess.

13. A cassette of the kind comprising a case containing a tape wound on a pair of spools each having central recesses for receiving the drive mechanism of a cassette player, wherein the said recess of at least one of the spools contains a blocking device according to any preceding claim.

14. A method of securing a cassette against unauthorised use, the cassette being of the kind comprising a case containing a tape wound on a pair of spools each having central recesses for receiving the drive mechanism of a cassette player, wherein the method comprises fixing a blocking device in the said recess of at least one of the spools to prevent engagement by such a mechanism.

15 A blocking device substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings.

16. A blocking device substantially as described with reference to Figures 4 to 6 of the drawings.