Patent ID: 6036131
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A reel braking mechanism for a magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus and operable with at least first and second tape cassettes of different sizes, the apparatus comprising a stationary support structure, first and second reels, and first and second reel support bases for rotatably supporting thereon the first and second reels, respectively, at least one of the first and second reel support bases being movably mounted on the support structure for movement along an adjustment path between at least first and second cassette positions separated from one another by a predetermined distance, said reel braking mechanism comprising:a brake lever comprising a first arm and a second arm;a support pin mounted to said brake lever between said first arm and said second arm for pivotally mounting said brake lever to the at least one reel support base such that said brake lever is pivotal between a reel-engaging position and a reel-disengaging position, and such that said brake lever is movable with the at least one support base along the adjustment path;a brake lever biasing member for biasing said brake lever towards said reel-engaging position;an elongated pushing element for movement between a pushing position, in which said pushing element holds said brake lever in said reel-disengaging position, and a release position, in which said pushing element does not hold said brake lever in said reel-disengaging position, said pushing element extending in a direction parallel to the adjustment path and having a length sufficient such that said pushing element is able to pivot said brake lever regardless of a position of the at least one support base along the adjustment path; anda pushing mechanism drivingly coupled with said pushing element to drive said pushing element between said pushing position and said release position so as to move said brake lever from said reel-engaging position towards said reel-disengaging position in response to said pushing element moving from said release position towards said pushing position.