US3707213A - Coin operated manually selective tape cartridge player - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge magazine permits manual selection of a cartridge which is then engaged into the player mechanism. The mechanism is energized by the insertion of a coin and de-energized by the track shift conductive strip of the tape. This deenergizing also ejects the coin to the coin vault in the machine.

Description

United States Patent Larre 1 Dec. 26, 1972 5/1970 ItsukiBan ......274/4F 1/1956 Kaplanowski ..l94/6 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves [72] Inventor: Frank J. Larre, Box 452, St.-Wal- Assistant E i Th Kocovsky burg, Saskatchewan, Canada Atmmey Kem & Ade [22] Filed: March 1, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 119,458

A cartridge magazme penmts manual selectlon of a cartridge which is then engaged into the player US. Cl. "194/6, F mechanism The mechanism is energized the inset- [5 i] hit. Cl ..G07f 5/10 tio of a oin and de.energized by the track shift con.

Fleld of Search 194/6, 15, F ductive strip of the tapedeenergizing also ejects the coin to the coin vault in the machine. [56] References Cited 18' Claims, 7 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS V 2,812,844 11/1957 Foufounis ..l94/6' I3 TRANSFORMER -69 SPEAKER q T 8 SPEAKER 2 AND 48 12 v. 0.0. A RECTIFIER "0 v INPUT ljgzg oes 68 1 Amen PLAYER J6 L46 .1 g om $17 I --1 i l l r 1 F2! STARTER CARTRIDGE 1 LOCK l SOLENOlD 77" Y 29 lme 3 I \rZS- 37 1 L as,

CARTRIDGE PATENT ED UEB26 I972 SHEET 1 BF 3 I N VEN TOR.

PATENTED DEC 2 6 I972 SHEET 2 0F 3 INVENTOR. [kW/M Jazz;

SHEET 3 [IF 3 PATENTED DEC 26 I972 COIN OPERATED MANUALLY SELECTIVE TAPE CARTRIDGE PLAYER This invention relates to new and useful improvements in devices for playing music in such places as restaurants and the like. I

Conventionally, a relatively large record playing device is situated in a convenient location with a supply of records therein and a plurality of coin operated selection devices or wall boxes are located in convenient locations such as one to each booth of a restaurant or the like. Each of these normally includes a pair of speakers operatively connected to the main record player and the insertion of a coin together with the movement of the selection dial causes a record to be selected at the record player, causes this record to be played, and causes the music produced therefrom, to be transmitted to the individual booth at which the coin has been inserted.

Such apparatus is expensive, complicated, fast wear ing and requires frequent service from skilled personnel. Also the record player takes up a considerable amount of room.

I have overcome these disadvantages by utilizing a standard eight track stereo tape player and adapting same to be coin operated and supplying a cartridge magazine whereby the listener may select the cartridge desired and insert same into the player.

The entire device is extremely economical in cost and can be packaged in a relatively small volume so that it is relatively easy to place one at each location desired.

Another advantage of the'present invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which includes means to prevent removal of the cartridges by unauthorized personnel, and also provides means, through the use of the conventional conductive strip on the tape within the cartridge, to ensure that the tape is always presented to the customer in the proper position relative to the cartridge, to start playing at the beginning of a track and to play one complete recorded track before switching off.

The standard eight track stereo component is, preferably, a car tape player and this player, being extremely economical in cost, is adapted to'be driven from 1 volt A.C. rectified to 12 volt D.C.

Furthermore these conventional players take standard eight track stereo tape cartridges.

The either tracks, which amount to four double or stereo tracks, are recorded side by side along the full length of a tape in parallel relationship. All tracks begin at one end of the tape and end at the other end of the tape. The two ends of the tape are then fitted together to form an endless belt and this endless belt is then wound in a cartridge, on one reel which dispenses the tape from a point near its center and receives it on the perimeter. The tape is driven by the tape player through a friction drive and about 1 inch in length of the portion of the tape between the two joined ends is made of electrically conductive material and is known as the conductive strip while the balance of the tape is relatively non-conductive.

Each time the tape has gone round once, and played its full length, the conductive strip bridges the gap between two contact points over which the tape runs while playing. By bridging the contact points, current will be supplied to the track shift solenoid which shifts the player to the next recorded track. Needless to say if the player keeps on playing, the conductive strip will each time the the tape has gone one full round, shift the player to the following track and when it has finished playing the fourth or last track, the next impulse will shift it to the number one position and begin repeating the cycle.

At any time during the playing operation, the track shift solenoid can be energized by a manual switch and any track on the tapecan be played without having to wait for the conductive strip to come around and proceed with the shift cycle.

These tape cartridges are well known and are conventional as are the tape playing components. These playing components include stereo pick-up and amplifying means and the sound is fed to a pair of speakers.

The present device is simple in construction, economical in operation, and otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.

With the considerations and inventive objects herein set forth in view, and such other or further purposes, advantages or novel features as may become apparent from consideration of this disclosure and specification, the present invention consists of the inventive concept which is comprised, embodied, embraced, or included in the method, process, construction, composition, ar-

rangement or combination of parts, or new use of any of the'foregoing, herein exemplified in one or more specific embodiments of such concept, reference being had to the accompanying Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the device.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tape cartridge magazine.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the device partially broken away in part.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the wiring connections.

FIG. 5 is a partially schematic view showing an alternative arrangement of the coin chute mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the coin chute mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of FIG. 6.

g In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, I have provided a casing or container 10 having sides l1, a top panel 12, and a base 13. A rear panel 14 closes in the rear side and the front side consists of the upper portion 15 and the lower portion 16 which constitutes part of a tape cartridge magazine collectively designated 17. This magazine may either be built integrally with the casing or, alternatively, can 1 be detachably secured thereto but available only from the rear by authorized personnel.

Situated within the casing is a conventional eight track stereo playing component shown schematically and indicated by reference character 17'. This conventional component 17 includes a cartridge entrance slot 18 and also a source of power in the form of an electrical motor (not illustrated) adapted to drive a drive roller 19 (see FIG. 4).

It also includes as a conventional component, the pickup head assembly 20 and a track shift solenoid 21 operatively connected thereto.

Conventional tape cartridges 23 consist of a plastic casing 24 containing a length of endless tape 25 which 27 within the cartridge, it being understood that the length of tape is squeezed between the two rollers. This moves the tape'past the pick-up head which picks up material recorded on the tape.

The tape includes a relatively short length of electrically conductive material 28 and it is normal that the four tracks begin and end upon each side of this conductive material. This conductive material, as it passes contact points 29 bridges these contact points and completes a circuit as will hereinafter be described.

Under conventional conditions, the completion of this circuit automatically causes the track shift solenoid to operate thus shifting the headto the next recorded track ready for the next selection. 1

The cartridge magazine 17 includes the aforementionedbase 13, end walls 30, and upper wall 31. The rear wall -14 of the casing can form the rear wall of the cartridge magazine if built integrally or, alternatively, it

can be separate as desired.

Extending upwardly and downwardly from the has 13 and the upperwall 31, and at the front thereof, is a pair of flanges 32 situated-in parallel and spaced relationship and extending between the end walls 30, These flanges define an open space 33 therebetween so that cartridges 24, stored within the magazine, can be reached by the operator and manipulated as desired.

Reference to FIG. 2 will show that there is room for two cartridges upon the central area 34 and that in this embodiment, there is roomfor three cartridges in each set.

However, it will be appreciated thatthese numbers may vary as desired.

Situated centrally of the magazine and extending upwardly'therefrom, is a cartridge insertion chute 35 and this is spaced from the front of the magazine 17.

By providing one or more empty spaces within the magazine, it will be appreciated that any of the cartridges 24 stored within the magazine can be manipulated through theopening 33, so that they may be positioned under the cartridge insertion chute 35. This cartridge insertion chute is situated directly below the cartridge receiving opening 18 within the player component 17 so that once the cartridge is positioned correctly, it can be moved upwardly into the playing component as will hereinafter be described.

It will be noted that the distance between the flanges 32 is less than the height of the cartridges so that they cannot be removed by unauthorized personnel. It will also be observed that the upper wall 31 and the base 13 are spaced apart sufficiently to provide sliding move? ment of the cartridges yet at the same time preventing the cartridges from being tilted on their side which once again prevents unauthorized personnel from removing same from the machine.

When the cartridge is pushed upwardly into the playing component 17', a notch 36 in the side of the casing is engaged by a small roller 37 mounted upon one arm 38 of a crank arm pivoted as at 39 and having a second arm 40 extending upon the other side of the pivot. A tension spring 41 extends between the end of this arm and an anchor point 42 and conventionally maintains the roller 37 within the notch. This spring loaded roller conventionally holds the cartridge'in position in playing relationship with the playing component 17 downward pressure permitting it to be removed when desired.

However, in the present instanceQa cartridge lock solenoid 43 is provided which operates a lever 44 from a position shown in full line in FIG. 4, to the alternative position shown in phantom. When in the position shown in full line,.the end 44A engages the roller 37 and prevents the cartridge from being withdrawn.

. A coin receiving chute assembly collectively designated 49 is provided with a coin slot 50 within the casing communicating therewith'and details of this are shown in FIGS; 6 and 7.

A plastic coin chute 50' receives the coin and this chute inclines. downwardly towards a lower portion 51 which is spaced in a plane just below the upper portion 52 thus providing a small drop 53 inthe coin path. This prevents unauthorized operation, and electric shock, by the insertion of a metal strip or thelike.

At the lower end of the lower portion 51, the path is formed of a pair of spaced and parallel conductive metal strips 54 terminating with slightly inturned end contact portions 55 and the spacing between these contact portions is such that it will just retain a coin 56 of the correct size. The dimensions of the chute are such that a larger coin will not'enter same, a smaller coin will pass clear past the contacts into a coin vault 57 situated 'therebelow.

Referring back to FIG. 4, an electrical conduit 58 extends between one terminal 59 of the l 10 volt A.C.

supply to one terminal 55 of the coin chute and a further conduit 60 extends from the other terminal 55 of the coin chute to one terminal 61 of a conventional starter switch 62 situated within the player component 17 This starter switch includes a spring loaded plunger 63 which is engaged by one end of the casing of the cartridge 24 when it is fully inserted within the player component 17 and when it is engaged, the connection is made between terminal 61 of the starter switch and the other terminal 64 thereof.

From this terminal 64, an electrical conduit 65 extends to contact 66' on the input of the transformer and rectifier 46, with a branch conduit 65A extending to one side of the cartridge lock solenoid 43.

A further electrical conduit 66 extends from the other terminal of the cartridge lock solenoid 43 to terminal 67 on the A.C. supply 45. A conduit 66A extends from terminal 67 to the other input terminal 68 of the transformer 46.

From the foregoing, it will beappreciated that when a coin 56 is in position between the contacts 55 within thecoin chute, and switch 62 is closed by the insertion of a cartridge within the component l7', an electrical circuit is completed firstly to actuate the cartridge lock solenoid 43 and secondly, to provide power to the transformer and rectifier 46. The former connection, actuating the cartridge lock solenoid 43, moves the lever 44 to the full line position shown in FIG. 4 as hereinbefore described thus preventing the cartridge from being withdrawn once it is in place and the coin has been inserted.

Completion of the circuit to the transformer and rectifier 46 provides current to the two output terminals 47 and 48 on the 12 volt D.C. side thereof.

One conduit 69 extends from terminal 47 to one of the input terminals 70 of the player component 17 and another conduit 71 extends from the other output terminal 48 t0 the other player component terminal 72 so that power is now provided to the cartridge player 17. and power roller 19 rotates thus moving the tape across the pick-up-head 20. This causes the contents of the tape to be reproduced and to be fed to speakers 1 and 2 (not illustrated) via conduits 74 and 75 (73 being common). Conveniently, the two speakers may be mounted upon each end of the casing behind the grills illustrated by reference character 76.

Under normal circumstances, the tape 25 will ru until the conductive strip 28 bridges the two terminals v 29 at which time the following takes place. A conduit 77 extends from one terminal 29 to the transformer output terminal 47 via a conduit 69. Another conduit 83 extends from the other terminal 29 to one side of a cancel solenoid 84. A further conduit 85A extends from the other side of cancel solenoid 84 to transformer output terminal 48. When the conductive strip 28 bridges contacts 29 a circuit is completed to energize cancel solenoid 84.

This cancel solenoid 84 is situated below the lower portion 51 of the chute 49 with the plunger end 87 being situated immediately below the coin 56.

This solenoid includes a plunger 85 which is normally at rest with the end 87 just below the lower portion 51 of the chute 49. Since the conductive strip 28 travels with the tape, it bridges contacts 29 only for a short interval and so cancel solenoid is energized momentarily. This retracts plunger 85 against pressure of spring 86 which is compressed. As soon as solenoid 84 is de-energized by strip 28 clearing contacts 29, the spring will extend plunger end 87 beyond the rest position due to inertia, and cause same to strike the coin 56 and dislodge it from its contact bridging position in the chute 49 and eject it to the coin vault 57. Gravity then returns the plunger to the rest position as shown in FIG. 6 and the contact between terminals 55 is thus broken.

This arrangement ensures that the coin willnot be ejected until the conductive strip has cleared the contact points 29. As long as the contact points are bridged the plunger 85 is in the retracted position and only after the solenoid is de-energized, does the energy stored in the spring drive the plunger beyond the normal-resting position and strike the coin and eject same.

This also breaks the circuit to the transformer and rectifier thus shutting off the cartridge player 17' and also the circuit to switch 62 thus de-energizing the cartridge lock solenoid 43 so that a spring 88 extends this plunger and moves the lever 44 to the cartridge unlocking position shown in phantom. This permits the cartridge to be withdrawn.

During the playing of the tape, operation of switch 79 will actuate the track shift solenoid thus enabling the customer to shift tracks to any of the four tracks normally recorded on the tape. Numbered lights 1,2, 3 and 4, in view on the front of the casing 10 indicates to the customer, which track is in play.

However, the conductive strip 28, after bridging the contact points 29, will stop just past said points. This assures the next customer that the tape is in the proper position within the cartridge to start playing at the beginning of the recorded tracks.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative arrangement of the coin chute connections in which a relay 89 is provided. In this embodiment, conduit 58 extends from one terminal 55 to terminal 59 on the l 10 volt A.C. supply and a further conduit 90 extends from terminal 59 to the movable leaf 91 of the relay. A conduit 92 extends from other terminal 55 to one side 93 of the relay coil and a further conduit 94 extends from the other terminal 95 of the relay to terminal 67 of the l 10 volt A.C. supply.

When terminals 55 are bridged by the coin 56, relay coil 89 is energized thus drawing down the movable leaf 91 so that contacts 96 close thus conveying current through conduit 90 toconduit 60A which extends to the aforementioned starter switch 62 and terminal 61. This is provided is case the weight of the coin normally used would not be sufficient to provide an adequate contact to supply enough power to operate the tape player, lock solenoid, cancel solenoid, and track shift solenoid.

' Using conventional 8 track stereo tape cartridges, the deposit of a certain coiri will play one full length of the tape, which is the same as one full recorded track. The standard tape cartridges which are in popular use today are provided with three songs or selections recorded on each recorded track so that the deposit of a coin will provide a customer three selections.

However, it will be appreciated that it is quite easy to use either a shorter or longer tape and thereby have one, two, three, four, five or more selections played on the deposit of one certain coin.

This makes the device adaptable without making any changes either in the cartridge player 17' or the cartridge casing 24. Needless to say a conventional debitcreditunit may be supplied and wired into the circuitry thus enabling the device to accept coins of different denominations. However, this does not form part of the present invention.

Of importance is the fact that with conventional machines, a fault in any part thereof places the entire device out of order whereby the-present device is self contained and independent from other devices in adjacent locations.

Also the sizing of the magazine 33 is such that cartridges cannot be removed nor can they be reversed in position under which circumstances they could not be read by the customer nor could they be inserted into the player unit.

Important features of the present invention to be stressed are, firstly, the use of the conductive strip on the tape to stop the player by actuating the solenoid 84 to eject the coin or debit a credit and secondly, this same action ensures that the tape will stop at the end of the recorded tracks is thereby ready again to start playing at the beginning of the recorded tracks.

Various modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept which is herein disclosed and/or claimed.

What I claim as my invention is:

I. In combination with a self-contained tape car tridge player component, a casing connectable to a source of electrical energy, said component being mounted in said casing, a tape cartridge magazine in the lower portion of said casing, a cartridge insertion chute leading from said magazine to said component, coin receiving means in said casing, astart switch actuated by the insertion and withdrawal of a tape cartridge to and from said component, said start switch being operatively connected between said source of electrical energy, and said component, and adjacent said coin receiving means, ejection means responsive to the conductive strip on the endless tape of the associated cartridge to eject the associated coin from said coin receiving means thereby'breaking the circuit.

2, The device according to claim 1 in whichsaid means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means. v

3. The device according to claim 2 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

4. The device according to claim 3 in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper between said source of electrical energy and said switch, means electrically operated by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means, manually operable means to selectively operate said track shifting solenoid when said switch is closed, and means responsive to said conductive strip, to eject said conductive token from said coin receiving means thereby breaking the circuit to said switch and to said means to lock and unlock said spring loaded means.

6. The device according to claim which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and saidcomponent, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means-to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from 7 said upper wall and said base respectively, said flange defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

5. In a tape cartridge player assembly which includes a self-contained tape cartridge component adapted to receive a cartridge containing an endless, multi-tracked tape, said tape having a conductive strip along the length thereof, a playing head, drive means to move said tape across said head, a track shifting solenoid, a switch operated by the insertion and withdrawal of said cartridge, and spring loaded means for detachably holding said cartridge within said component in playing relationship therewith; the improvement which is characterized by the provision of a casing, said component being mounted in said casing, a source of electrical energy available in said casing, coin receiving means in said casingelectrically connected between said source of electrical energy and said switch, whereby the insertion of a conducting token in said coin receiving means completes the electrical circuit 7'. The device according to claim 6 in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

8. The device according to claim 5 in which said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means.

9. The device according to claim 8 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

10. The device according to claim 9, in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

11. The device according to claim 5 in which said coin receiving means includes a non-conductive coin transporting chute, the lower end of said chute being in a plane parallel to but slightly below the other end thereof, and a pair of contacts in said lower end spaced apart to receive and retain said conductive token.

12. The device according to claim 11 inwhich said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and V unlock said spring loaded means includes a second mama new solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving'the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means.

13. The device according to claim 11 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

14. The device according to claim 13, in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

15. The device according to claim 11 in which said means to eject said conductive token includes a'first solenoid, a plunger in said solenoid, said plunger normally lying in the retracted position, said plunger being positioned under said lower end of said chute in a position to flip said token out of said chute and away from said contacts when said plungeris extended.

16. The device according to claim 15 in which said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means. 1 i

17. The device according to claim 16 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

18. The device according to claim 17 in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

I060 7 man

Claims (18)

1. In combination with a self-contained tape cartridge player component, a casing connectable to a source of electrical energy, said component being mounted in said casing, a tape cartridge magazine in the lower portion of said casing, a cartridge insertion chute leading from said magazine to said component, coin receiving means in said casing, a start switch actuated by the insertion and withdrawal of a tape cartridge to and from said component, said start switch being wired in series with said coin means and said source of electrical energy whereby the insertion of a coin completes the current to said switch, a cartridge locking solenoid in said casing and means operated by said solenoid and movable from a cartridge locking position to a cartridge release position, manually operable cartridge track shifting means in said casing operatively connected between said source of electrical energy and said component, and adjacent said coin receiving means, ejection means responsive to the conductive strip on the endless tape of the associated cartridge to eject the associated coin from said coin receiving means thereby breaking the circuit.

2. The device according to claim 1 in which said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means.

3. The device according to claim 2 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

4. The device according to claim 3 in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flange defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

5. In a tape cartridge player assembly which includes a self-contained tape cartridge component adapted to receive a cartridge containing an endless, multi-tracked tape, said tape having a conductive strip along the length thereof, a playing head, drive means to move said tape across said head, a track shifting solenoid, a switch operated by the insertion and withdrawal of said cartridge, and spring loaded means for detachably holding said cartridge within said component in playing relationship therewith; the improvement which is characterized by the provision of a casing, said component being mounted in said casing, a source of electrical energy available in said casing, coin receiving means in said casing electrically connected between said source of electrical energy and said swiTch, whereby the insertion of a conducting token in said coin receiving means completes the electrical circuit between said source of electrical energy and said switch, means electrically operated by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means, manually operable means to selectively operate said track shifting solenoid when said switch is closed, and means responsive to said conductive strip, to eject said conductive token from said coin receiving means thereby breaking the circuit to said switch and to said means to lock and unlock said spring loaded means.

6. The device according to claim 5 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

7. The device according to claim 6 in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

8. The device according to claim 5 in which said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means.

9. The device according to claim 8 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

10. The device according to claim 9, in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

11. The device according to claim 5 in which said coin receiving means includes a non-conductive coin transporting chute, the lower end of said chute being in a plane parallel to but slightly below the other end thereof, and a pair of contacts in said lower end spaced apart to receive and retain said conductive token.

12. The device according to claim 11 in which said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means.

13. The device according to claim 11 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridgEs being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

14. The device according to claim 13, in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

15. The device according to claim 11 in which said means to eject said conductive token includes a first solenoid, a plunger in said solenoid, said plunger normally lying in the retracted position, said plunger being positioned under said lower end of said chute in a position to flip said token out of said chute and away from said contacts when said plunger is extended.

16. The device according to claim 15 in which said means operated electrically by said switch to lock and unlock said spring loaded means includes a second solenoid, a plunger in said second solenoid, a lever pivoted between the ends thereof and by one end thereof to the distal end of said plunger, the extension and retraction of said plunger moving the other end of said lever into and out of engagement with said spring loaded means.

17. The device according to claim 16 which includes a tape cartridge magazine in said casing, a cartridge insertion chute communicating between said magazine and said component, said magazine including means to store a plurality of tape cartridges, said cartridges being manipulable to position any one thereof within said chute, and means to retain said cartridges within said magazine against external removal therefrom.

18. The device according to claim 17 in which said magazine includes a base, an upper wall, side walls, and a rear wall, said last mentioned means including upper and lower spaced and parallel flanges extending from said upper wall and said base respectively, said flanges defining an open cartridge access space, the vertical dimensions between said flanges being less than the height of the associated cartridges, said upper wall and said base being spaced apart sufficiently to permit horizontal sliding movement of said cartridges but preventing sideways tilting thereof.

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