Locks – Special application – For portable articles
Patent
1989-06-30
1990-10-23
Wolfe, Robert L.
Locks
Special application
For portable articles
70 14, E05B 7300
Patent
active
049642863
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a security device for a video cassette player or recorder.
A video recorder or player normally has a cassette-receiving opening which is closed by a hinged flap which permits insertion of the cassette but which, when closed, serves to keep out dust. However, it is possible for a screwdriver or other foreign body to be inserted through the opening, causing damage to the player or recorder and possible injury to the person responsible. Furthermore, it is possible for unsupervised minors to play video tapes unsuitable for their particular age group.
In order to prevent access to the cassette-receiving opening it has previously been proposed to block the opening using a dummy cassette of substantially the same size and configuration, including holes for receiving drive spindles, as a standard video cassette. Such dummy cassettes have locking arrangements which secure the cassette to the recorder or player.
Previously proposed dummy cassettes generally have the disadvantages that they can activate the tape-receiving mechanism of the recorder, as would a standard cassette, and that they have complex locking mechanisms. Such mechanisms may require careful alignment of the dummy cassette with the walls of the recorder opening to enable latching of the cassette, for example, to holes in the walls of the opening or to the drive spindles of the recorder.
The present invention aims to provide a security device which is effective and simple to use and which does not act as a dummy cassette.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a security device for a video cassette player or recorder having a cassette-receiving opening and a cassette-receiving mechanism within said opening, the device comprising a body which is insertable in the opening, wherein the body houses a locking a mechanism co-operating with opposed locking members extending longitudinally of the body and movable between retracted positions and extended, locking positions in which the locking members can frictionally engage the internal sides walls of the opening to retain the body therein, the length and breadth of the body being substantially the same as the corresponding dimensions of a video cassette, but the depth of the body being smaller than that of the video cassette, the body being provided with a peripheral flange for engaging the body adjacent said opening, so as to prevent insertion of said body to a depth which would cause activation of the cassette-receiving mechanism.
Preferably, each locking member has an end surface of resilient material, such as rubber or plastics. Each end surface may be so shaped that its grip on the side wall increases if an attempt is made to pull the device from the opening when in its locked condition. The locking members may, for example, have wedge-shaped or stepped caps such that the lateral dimension of each locking member increases with depth of insertion of the device.
The peripheral flange may extend part or all of the way around the device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flange preferably comprises a front plate which, when the device is inserted in the opening, engages the periphery of the opening to thereby completely close it and to prevent the device being pushed too far into the opening.
Some forms of security device in accordance with the invention for a video cassette player or recorder will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGS. 1 to 3 are respectively front, top plan and rear views of one form of the device;
FIG. 4 is a rear view of another form of the device;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic detail view of a locking mechanism of the device of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 of a different locking mechanism .
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the security device comprises a hollow body or casing 1, the length a and breadth b of which are substantially the same as those of a standard video cassette to enable insertion of the device into a cassette-receiving op
REFERENCES:
patent: 4131001 (1978-12-01), Gotto
patent: 4527405 (1985-07-01), Renick et al.
patent: 4616490 (1986-10-01), Robbins
patent: 4640106 (1987-02-01), Derman
patent: 4655057 (1987-04-01), Derman
patent: 4656551 (1987-04-01), Gotto
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