CA2134676C - Composite tape cassette - Google Patents
Composite tape cassetteInfo
- Publication number
- CA2134676C CA2134676C CA002134676A CA2134676A CA2134676C CA 2134676 C CA2134676 C CA 2134676C CA 002134676 A CA002134676 A CA 002134676A CA 2134676 A CA2134676 A CA 2134676A CA 2134676 C CA2134676 C CA 2134676C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- cassette
- thickness
- tape cassette
- sheath
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012943 hotmelt Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 33
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 33
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 10
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/04—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments
- G11B23/08—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends
- G11B23/087—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends using two different reels or cores
- G11B23/08707—Details
- G11B23/08785—Envelopes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/04—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments
- G11B23/08—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends
- G11B23/087—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends using two different reels or cores
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/04—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments
- G11B23/08—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends
- G11B23/087—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends using two different reels or cores
- G11B23/08707—Details
- G11B23/0875—Indicating means, e.g. quantity of tape
Abstract
A composite tape cassette (10, 12), for use in either video or audio format is disclosed. The tape cassette (10, 12) includes a lightweight rigid thermoplastic frame (10) for carrying the reels (20) and tape and providing structural rigidity to the cassette (10, 12). The frame (10) is encompassed by a paperboard sheath (12) which is securely bonded (29) thereto. Graphics for the cassette are carried directly on the sheath.
Description
213~676 I
COMPOSITE TAPE CASSETTE
The invention relates to an improved tape cassette intended for use with video or audio technology. Specifically, the invention provides a tape cassette intended to be primarily utilized in the duplicator market. Duplicatorscommonly are independent companies serving the video and audio tape markets. For instance, the video market is primarily composed of three distinct categories: (1) the movie retail and rental market; (2) the industrial market consisting of 12-30 minute tapes such as demo tapes, catalogue tapes, plant tours, etc; and (3) the premium incentive market, generally consisting of classic movies or other tapes sold as a premium with the purchase of another product.
The audio market is also composed of three distinct categories: (1) the music market; (2) the spoken word retail and rental market; and (3) the instructional retail and rental market. Duplicator companies are used to supply all of these markets. Such tapes, in the video industry alone, are estimated to account for over one billion prerecorded video cassettes that were dubbed and distributed in 1990.
Duplicator operations are, overall, fairly similar. The video duplicator purchases a "standard" all plastic video cassette, called a shell, having a small leader tape inside. Video tape copies are made from an original tape and then loaded into the shells. The industry "standard" and most commonly available video cassette is heavily built and usually designed for long playing tape -typically two to six hours. The industry "standard" cassette is primarily constructed from all black plastic, with graphics applied through the use of a label, having a tuck-in style outer carton which has an open end on either the bottom or the side into which the video cassette is inserted. Less commonly available are other assorted all plastic cassettes, such as a one-piece clamshell cassette and the "Delta" cassette, which are constructed with lighter-weight components than the industry "standard" cassette. Audio cassettes generally - 213~676 use an all plastic cassette having graphics applied through the use of a label and a graphic paperboard insert usually placed inside a clear plastic flip-top storage box.
The use of such standard cassettes in the duplicator market provides for an end quality which is sometimes much greater than that necessary for the intended life span of the tape contained therein. As a result,there is a demand for less expensive cassettes offering limited play quality.
Cassette designers, primarily those in the video industry, have attempted to meet this demand and provide a lower cost cassette better suited for use in the duplicator industry. Examples of such cassettes are shown, for instance, in United States Patent No. 4,969,612 which discloses a cassette having top, bottom and side panels which are made of a bendable material such as paperboard, and United States Patent No. 4,883,176 which discloses a paperboard video cassette housing. Such an all paperboard cassette, however, has been found to lack sufficient strength to operate in a commercial video cassette player and, many times, self destructs during initial use. Therefore, there remains a demand for a cassette tape, both audio and video, that is bettersuited for use in the duplicator market than the standard all-plastic cassettes currently available.
It is an object of this invention to provide a tape cassette which is lightweight and offers the limited play quality for the intended useful life span of the unit.
Another object of this invention is to reduce the per unit cost of a tape cassette.
A further object of this invention is to provide a tape cassette having a lower per unit postage cost for mailing and shipping than the industry "standard" cassette.
Another object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and less expensive tape cassette by reducing the amount of plastic required in the structure of the cassette.
' 213~76 Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tape cassette that eliminates the need for the outer carton.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide the capability for applying high quality graphics directly to the tape cassette, thus further eliminating the need for the outer carton.
A further object of the present invention is to provide tape cassette graphics, applied directly to the tape cassette, that have a prinVgloss quality comparable to that of a vinyl album jacket.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tape cassette that discourages illegal duplication. Currently, illegal duplication of tape cassettes is easily accomplished because of the industry use of the "standard"
style cassette which is available from numerous sources. Counterfeiters only need to load the duplicated tape into the standard shell and duplicate the labelto achieve an end product virtually identical with the legal originals and duplicates. If the counterfeit is given good graphics duplication which is commonly available, it is very difficult to identify an original tape cassette from an illegal duplicate. The present invention is intended to provide a unique tapecassette which will assist in preventing illegal duplication because it is not "standard" and would be cost prohibitive to manufacture and duplicate.
These objects and others achieved by the present invention can be readily understood upon analysis of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
This invention achieves the above-noted objectives by providing a tape cassette, either audio or video, which is composed of a lightweight plasticframe having structural integration with a paperboard sheath. The plastic frame is provided to enhance the structural integrity of the cassette and to provide durability to all major points of contact between the cassette and the tape playback unit. However, all surfaces of the cassette where plastic structure is unnecessary for the structural integrity and strength of the cassette, the plastic is either reduced in thickness or eliminated altogether and the affected surface 213~676 of the cassette is covered with a paperboard sheath which provides a lighter weight material for the cassette construction. The use of the paperboard sheath further provides the ability to apply overall graphics directly onto the cassette thereby creating an attractive and marketable cassette shell. The unit cost of 5 each cassette constructed in accordance with this invention is reduced by limiting the amount of plastic used in the construction of the cassette and further reduced by eliminating the need of the outer carton with graphics or plastic flip-top box with graphics currently utilized to store tape cassettes. The present invention, incorporating the plastic frame and paperboard structure with graphics 10 preapplied, provides a strong, lightweight tape cassette having overall graphic capability. The composite audio tape cassette further provides a tamper-evident protective cover for the tape by sealing the tape gate, during distribution, with a protective clip or cover designed to be removed prior to inserting the audio cassette into the playback unit.
The combination paperboard plastic structure of the present invention utilizes the standard tape and spool mechanism common to the industry. The use of plastic provides for structural integrit,v at all potential or direct wear areas, as well as all points of contact with the tape and the playback unit. The paperboard overlay is bonded directly to the plastic frame to produce a strong lightweight structure.
In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape cassette of the present invention, in video format with the plastic frame separated from the paperboard sheath;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tape cassette of Figure 1 with the paperboard sheath bonded to the plastic frame;
Figure 3 is a pattern layout of the paperboard sheath as used with the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a top view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
- 213~676 Figure 5 is a bottom view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an end view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is an opposed end view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a back view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape cassette of the present invention, in audio format, with the plastic frame separated fromthe paperboard sheath;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the tape cassette of Figure 9 with the paperboard sheath bonded to the plastic frame;
Figure 11 is a pattern layout of the paperboard sheath as used with the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 12 is a top view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 13 is a back view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 14 is an end view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 15 is a view of the protective tape gate clip intended for use with the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 16 is a top view of the tape cassette of Figure 9 with the clip of Figure 15 attached thereto; and Figure 17 is an end view of the tape cassette of Figure 9 with the clip of Figure 15 attached thereto.
The present invention provides a composite tape cassette, preferably composed of a plastic frame having a paperboard shell or sheath bonded or welded thereto. The plastic frame is designed to enhance the structural integrity 213~676 of all areas of the cassette which contact the tape playback and/or recorder unit, the tape and reels, and other areas of the cassette subject to wear and tear, such as the corners. The tape cassette of the present invention is intended for use in either video or audio format; the features of the invention remain the 5 same.
Referring now to Figures 1-8, a tape cassette intended for use as a video cassette is shown in detail. The tape cassette shown is designed to fit standard VHS format, however, it should be understood that video tape cassettes of any format can be made a subject of the present invention. The 10 video tape cassette shown in Figures 1 -8 includes a frame member 10, preferably composed of a durable lightweight thermoplastic material. The frame member 10 is encased by a lightweight flexible sheath 12, preferably composed of paperboard, which is bonded to the frame member 10 to form the cassette shown in Figure 2.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 4-8, the frame member 10 of the video cassette of the present invention is constructed to have the standard outside dimensions designed for use in standard VHS playback and recording machine. The thermoplastic frame member 10 includes open cut-out areas 14 located in the top surface 16 and bottom surface 18 of the frame member 10.
20 The cut-out areas 14 are designed to eliminate as much thermoplastic materialfrom the tape cassette as possible, without negatively affecting the structural rigidity of the frame member 10 and the structural support for the tape reels 20.
As can be seen from the figures, the tape reels 20 are supported by thermoplastic cross members 22 extending perpendicularly through the cut-out 25 areas 14. The frame member 10 is provided with two distinct thicknesses. The protective tape gate area 24, corners 26, and bottom edges 28 are designed to have a thickness of thermoplastic material that is comparable to that found in the "standard" commercial VHS cassette. The thermoplastic material of the remaining frame structure is designed to be about 0.014 to 0.018 millimeters thinner. The protective tape gate 24, corners 26 and bottom edges 28, are 2I3~676 designed to have the thicker structure in order to provide the necessary strength, integrity and durability to the frame member 10. Preferably the difference in thickness between the protective tape gate 24, corners 26, bottom edges 28, and the remainder of the frame is equivalent to the thickness of the sheath 12 5 which is designed to encompass the frame member 10 and bond to the thinner plastic area surrounded by the protective tape gate 24, corners 26, and bottom edges 28. Thus, after the sheath 12 is bonded to the frame member 10, there will be no exposed edges of the sheath 12 which could be subject to damage.
Located about the periphery of the thin portion of the frame member 10 10, on all sides of the cassette, are up-raised energy director beads 29 which are formed from the same thermoplastic material as the frame member 10. The energy director beads 29 are utilized to bond the paperboard sheath member 12 to the frame member 10. The sheath member 12 is, preferably, coated on its interior surface with a styrene film or other product known to be compatible with 15 the thermoplastic material of the energy bead 29. In production, the sheath member 12 is positioned over the frame member 10 and ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the composite frame member 10 and sheath member 12. The ultrasonic vibrations "melt" the energy beads 29 and causes their material to blend with the styrene coating, thus welding the sheath member 12 to the frame 20 member 10 as the molten blend solidifies. Of course, other methods of bonding, such as adhesives and hot melt gluing, may be used in place of energy director beads 29 and the ultrasonic weld technique. It should also be noted that the styrene coating serves a secondary purpose of providing a moisture vapor transmission barrier, thereby assisting in maintaining the integrity of the sheath 25 member 12.
Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the sheath 12 of the present invention includes a top flap 30, bottom flap 32, end flaps 34, and back flap 36.
The sheath 12 is patterned to fit on the thin portion of the plastic frame 10, within the edges provided by the protective tape gate 24, corners 26 and top edges 28 of the frame member 10. The bottom flap 32 includes holes 38 to A
21~167~
allow access to the reels 20 and the top flap 30 is, preferably, composed of solid material. Graphics may be applied to the exterior surface of the paperboard sheath 12 shown in Figure 3 prior to application and bonding of the sheath member 12 to the frame member 10. Thus, after application and bonding of the sheath member 12 to the frame member 10 as shown in Figure 2, a composite tape cassette having applied graphics is provided.
It should be noted that the construction of the frame member 10 usually includes a top half A and a bottom half B which are separated to insert the reels 20 and tape (not shown). In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the two halves A and B are fastened together by screws 39. However in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top half A and bottom half B can be designed to include a post and hole friction fit, snap-fit, or any other means of joinder without the need for loose parts, which can be reinforced by the bonding of the sheath member 12 to the frame member 10. This elimination of the need for loose parts such as screws serves to eliminate the cost of the parts, the assembly time required to utilize the parts, as well as eliminate theweight of the screws and further, to hinder the potential for tampering with thetape cassette after manufacture.
Referring to Figures 9-17, the tape cassette of the present invention is shown in its preferred embodiment for audio tape cassette use. The structure of the audio tape cassette features the same advantages as the video tape cassette referred to in Figures 1-8. Referring now to Figures 9-14, the frame member 110 of the audio tape cassette is shown with cut-out areas 114 surrounding the reels 120. Cross members 122 support the reels 120 and provide structural rigidity to the frame member 110. All areas of the frame member 110 are of a thin cross section with the exception of the ends 140 and the tape feed area 142. The cassette ends 140 and tape feed area 142 are provided with a thicker material to provide structural rigidity and durability to the tape cassette. The difference in thickness, preferably, between the cassette ends 140, tape feed area 142 and the remaining portion of the frame member 110 is the thickness of the sheath member 112, approximately 0.014 to 0.018 millimeters. A line of energy director beads 129 are provided proximate the cassette ends 140 and tape feed area 142. The energy director beads 129 are used in the process of ultrasonic welding and bonding of the sheath 112 to the 5 frame member 110, as described earlier with regard to the video tape embodiment. As with the video tape embodiment, other methods of adhering the sheath member 112 to the frame member 110 may be used.
As shown in Figure 11, the sheath 112 includes a top flap 130, bottom flap 132, and back flap 136. The top flap 130 and bottom flap 132 include holes 138 designed to provide access to the reels 120 of the cassette.
Optionally, a window 144 may also be provided in the top flap 130 to assist in viewing the tape during running conditions. As in the video cassette version of the present invention, the frame member 110 is provided with a top half M and a bottom half BB. The two halves are preferably friction fit together and sealed15 by the bonded sheath member 12, thus eliminating the need for screws to hold the halves together, for the same reasons earlier described with regard to the video cassette.
Referring now to Figures 15-17, the audio tape cassette constructed in accordance with the present invention usually is designed to have a tape feed20 area 142 that is open and accessible to infiltration by dirt or other foreign objects when not in use. To prevent damage to the tape from such foreign objects and dirt, a clip member 146 is designed to attach to the cassette and cover the tapefeed area 142 in a protective manner. The clip member 146 is also designed to provide stability to the cassette so that it can stand upright, horizontally or 25 vertically. The clip member 146 is generally constructed of plastic and includes inwardly projecting extrusions 148 designed to mate with indentations 150 located in the frame member 110. The mating of the extrusions 148 with the indentations 150 retain the protective clip member 146 in position. An alternative embodiment for the clip member 146, not shown in the drawings, 30 envisions the extension of one side of the member 146 to a location proximate -the reels 120 whereby the reels 120 are engaged and locked in place by the extended side of the clip member 146.
The above descriptions of the video and audio tape cassette version of the present invention are meant to be illustrative in nature and are not 5 intended to be solely limiting upon the scope and content of the following claims.
A
A
COMPOSITE TAPE CASSETTE
The invention relates to an improved tape cassette intended for use with video or audio technology. Specifically, the invention provides a tape cassette intended to be primarily utilized in the duplicator market. Duplicatorscommonly are independent companies serving the video and audio tape markets. For instance, the video market is primarily composed of three distinct categories: (1) the movie retail and rental market; (2) the industrial market consisting of 12-30 minute tapes such as demo tapes, catalogue tapes, plant tours, etc; and (3) the premium incentive market, generally consisting of classic movies or other tapes sold as a premium with the purchase of another product.
The audio market is also composed of three distinct categories: (1) the music market; (2) the spoken word retail and rental market; and (3) the instructional retail and rental market. Duplicator companies are used to supply all of these markets. Such tapes, in the video industry alone, are estimated to account for over one billion prerecorded video cassettes that were dubbed and distributed in 1990.
Duplicator operations are, overall, fairly similar. The video duplicator purchases a "standard" all plastic video cassette, called a shell, having a small leader tape inside. Video tape copies are made from an original tape and then loaded into the shells. The industry "standard" and most commonly available video cassette is heavily built and usually designed for long playing tape -typically two to six hours. The industry "standard" cassette is primarily constructed from all black plastic, with graphics applied through the use of a label, having a tuck-in style outer carton which has an open end on either the bottom or the side into which the video cassette is inserted. Less commonly available are other assorted all plastic cassettes, such as a one-piece clamshell cassette and the "Delta" cassette, which are constructed with lighter-weight components than the industry "standard" cassette. Audio cassettes generally - 213~676 use an all plastic cassette having graphics applied through the use of a label and a graphic paperboard insert usually placed inside a clear plastic flip-top storage box.
The use of such standard cassettes in the duplicator market provides for an end quality which is sometimes much greater than that necessary for the intended life span of the tape contained therein. As a result,there is a demand for less expensive cassettes offering limited play quality.
Cassette designers, primarily those in the video industry, have attempted to meet this demand and provide a lower cost cassette better suited for use in the duplicator industry. Examples of such cassettes are shown, for instance, in United States Patent No. 4,969,612 which discloses a cassette having top, bottom and side panels which are made of a bendable material such as paperboard, and United States Patent No. 4,883,176 which discloses a paperboard video cassette housing. Such an all paperboard cassette, however, has been found to lack sufficient strength to operate in a commercial video cassette player and, many times, self destructs during initial use. Therefore, there remains a demand for a cassette tape, both audio and video, that is bettersuited for use in the duplicator market than the standard all-plastic cassettes currently available.
It is an object of this invention to provide a tape cassette which is lightweight and offers the limited play quality for the intended useful life span of the unit.
Another object of this invention is to reduce the per unit cost of a tape cassette.
A further object of this invention is to provide a tape cassette having a lower per unit postage cost for mailing and shipping than the industry "standard" cassette.
Another object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and less expensive tape cassette by reducing the amount of plastic required in the structure of the cassette.
' 213~76 Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tape cassette that eliminates the need for the outer carton.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide the capability for applying high quality graphics directly to the tape cassette, thus further eliminating the need for the outer carton.
A further object of the present invention is to provide tape cassette graphics, applied directly to the tape cassette, that have a prinVgloss quality comparable to that of a vinyl album jacket.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tape cassette that discourages illegal duplication. Currently, illegal duplication of tape cassettes is easily accomplished because of the industry use of the "standard"
style cassette which is available from numerous sources. Counterfeiters only need to load the duplicated tape into the standard shell and duplicate the labelto achieve an end product virtually identical with the legal originals and duplicates. If the counterfeit is given good graphics duplication which is commonly available, it is very difficult to identify an original tape cassette from an illegal duplicate. The present invention is intended to provide a unique tapecassette which will assist in preventing illegal duplication because it is not "standard" and would be cost prohibitive to manufacture and duplicate.
These objects and others achieved by the present invention can be readily understood upon analysis of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
This invention achieves the above-noted objectives by providing a tape cassette, either audio or video, which is composed of a lightweight plasticframe having structural integration with a paperboard sheath. The plastic frame is provided to enhance the structural integrity of the cassette and to provide durability to all major points of contact between the cassette and the tape playback unit. However, all surfaces of the cassette where plastic structure is unnecessary for the structural integrity and strength of the cassette, the plastic is either reduced in thickness or eliminated altogether and the affected surface 213~676 of the cassette is covered with a paperboard sheath which provides a lighter weight material for the cassette construction. The use of the paperboard sheath further provides the ability to apply overall graphics directly onto the cassette thereby creating an attractive and marketable cassette shell. The unit cost of 5 each cassette constructed in accordance with this invention is reduced by limiting the amount of plastic used in the construction of the cassette and further reduced by eliminating the need of the outer carton with graphics or plastic flip-top box with graphics currently utilized to store tape cassettes. The present invention, incorporating the plastic frame and paperboard structure with graphics 10 preapplied, provides a strong, lightweight tape cassette having overall graphic capability. The composite audio tape cassette further provides a tamper-evident protective cover for the tape by sealing the tape gate, during distribution, with a protective clip or cover designed to be removed prior to inserting the audio cassette into the playback unit.
The combination paperboard plastic structure of the present invention utilizes the standard tape and spool mechanism common to the industry. The use of plastic provides for structural integrit,v at all potential or direct wear areas, as well as all points of contact with the tape and the playback unit. The paperboard overlay is bonded directly to the plastic frame to produce a strong lightweight structure.
In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape cassette of the present invention, in video format with the plastic frame separated from the paperboard sheath;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tape cassette of Figure 1 with the paperboard sheath bonded to the plastic frame;
Figure 3 is a pattern layout of the paperboard sheath as used with the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a top view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
- 213~676 Figure 5 is a bottom view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an end view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is an opposed end view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a back view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a tape cassette of the present invention, in audio format, with the plastic frame separated fromthe paperboard sheath;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the tape cassette of Figure 9 with the paperboard sheath bonded to the plastic frame;
Figure 11 is a pattern layout of the paperboard sheath as used with the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 12 is a top view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 13 is a back view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 14 is an end view of the plastic frame of the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 15 is a view of the protective tape gate clip intended for use with the tape cassette of Figure 9;
Figure 16 is a top view of the tape cassette of Figure 9 with the clip of Figure 15 attached thereto; and Figure 17 is an end view of the tape cassette of Figure 9 with the clip of Figure 15 attached thereto.
The present invention provides a composite tape cassette, preferably composed of a plastic frame having a paperboard shell or sheath bonded or welded thereto. The plastic frame is designed to enhance the structural integrity 213~676 of all areas of the cassette which contact the tape playback and/or recorder unit, the tape and reels, and other areas of the cassette subject to wear and tear, such as the corners. The tape cassette of the present invention is intended for use in either video or audio format; the features of the invention remain the 5 same.
Referring now to Figures 1-8, a tape cassette intended for use as a video cassette is shown in detail. The tape cassette shown is designed to fit standard VHS format, however, it should be understood that video tape cassettes of any format can be made a subject of the present invention. The 10 video tape cassette shown in Figures 1 -8 includes a frame member 10, preferably composed of a durable lightweight thermoplastic material. The frame member 10 is encased by a lightweight flexible sheath 12, preferably composed of paperboard, which is bonded to the frame member 10 to form the cassette shown in Figure 2.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 4-8, the frame member 10 of the video cassette of the present invention is constructed to have the standard outside dimensions designed for use in standard VHS playback and recording machine. The thermoplastic frame member 10 includes open cut-out areas 14 located in the top surface 16 and bottom surface 18 of the frame member 10.
20 The cut-out areas 14 are designed to eliminate as much thermoplastic materialfrom the tape cassette as possible, without negatively affecting the structural rigidity of the frame member 10 and the structural support for the tape reels 20.
As can be seen from the figures, the tape reels 20 are supported by thermoplastic cross members 22 extending perpendicularly through the cut-out 25 areas 14. The frame member 10 is provided with two distinct thicknesses. The protective tape gate area 24, corners 26, and bottom edges 28 are designed to have a thickness of thermoplastic material that is comparable to that found in the "standard" commercial VHS cassette. The thermoplastic material of the remaining frame structure is designed to be about 0.014 to 0.018 millimeters thinner. The protective tape gate 24, corners 26 and bottom edges 28, are 2I3~676 designed to have the thicker structure in order to provide the necessary strength, integrity and durability to the frame member 10. Preferably the difference in thickness between the protective tape gate 24, corners 26, bottom edges 28, and the remainder of the frame is equivalent to the thickness of the sheath 12 5 which is designed to encompass the frame member 10 and bond to the thinner plastic area surrounded by the protective tape gate 24, corners 26, and bottom edges 28. Thus, after the sheath 12 is bonded to the frame member 10, there will be no exposed edges of the sheath 12 which could be subject to damage.
Located about the periphery of the thin portion of the frame member 10 10, on all sides of the cassette, are up-raised energy director beads 29 which are formed from the same thermoplastic material as the frame member 10. The energy director beads 29 are utilized to bond the paperboard sheath member 12 to the frame member 10. The sheath member 12 is, preferably, coated on its interior surface with a styrene film or other product known to be compatible with 15 the thermoplastic material of the energy bead 29. In production, the sheath member 12 is positioned over the frame member 10 and ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the composite frame member 10 and sheath member 12. The ultrasonic vibrations "melt" the energy beads 29 and causes their material to blend with the styrene coating, thus welding the sheath member 12 to the frame 20 member 10 as the molten blend solidifies. Of course, other methods of bonding, such as adhesives and hot melt gluing, may be used in place of energy director beads 29 and the ultrasonic weld technique. It should also be noted that the styrene coating serves a secondary purpose of providing a moisture vapor transmission barrier, thereby assisting in maintaining the integrity of the sheath 25 member 12.
Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the sheath 12 of the present invention includes a top flap 30, bottom flap 32, end flaps 34, and back flap 36.
The sheath 12 is patterned to fit on the thin portion of the plastic frame 10, within the edges provided by the protective tape gate 24, corners 26 and top edges 28 of the frame member 10. The bottom flap 32 includes holes 38 to A
21~167~
allow access to the reels 20 and the top flap 30 is, preferably, composed of solid material. Graphics may be applied to the exterior surface of the paperboard sheath 12 shown in Figure 3 prior to application and bonding of the sheath member 12 to the frame member 10. Thus, after application and bonding of the sheath member 12 to the frame member 10 as shown in Figure 2, a composite tape cassette having applied graphics is provided.
It should be noted that the construction of the frame member 10 usually includes a top half A and a bottom half B which are separated to insert the reels 20 and tape (not shown). In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the two halves A and B are fastened together by screws 39. However in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top half A and bottom half B can be designed to include a post and hole friction fit, snap-fit, or any other means of joinder without the need for loose parts, which can be reinforced by the bonding of the sheath member 12 to the frame member 10. This elimination of the need for loose parts such as screws serves to eliminate the cost of the parts, the assembly time required to utilize the parts, as well as eliminate theweight of the screws and further, to hinder the potential for tampering with thetape cassette after manufacture.
Referring to Figures 9-17, the tape cassette of the present invention is shown in its preferred embodiment for audio tape cassette use. The structure of the audio tape cassette features the same advantages as the video tape cassette referred to in Figures 1-8. Referring now to Figures 9-14, the frame member 110 of the audio tape cassette is shown with cut-out areas 114 surrounding the reels 120. Cross members 122 support the reels 120 and provide structural rigidity to the frame member 110. All areas of the frame member 110 are of a thin cross section with the exception of the ends 140 and the tape feed area 142. The cassette ends 140 and tape feed area 142 are provided with a thicker material to provide structural rigidity and durability to the tape cassette. The difference in thickness, preferably, between the cassette ends 140, tape feed area 142 and the remaining portion of the frame member 110 is the thickness of the sheath member 112, approximately 0.014 to 0.018 millimeters. A line of energy director beads 129 are provided proximate the cassette ends 140 and tape feed area 142. The energy director beads 129 are used in the process of ultrasonic welding and bonding of the sheath 112 to the 5 frame member 110, as described earlier with regard to the video tape embodiment. As with the video tape embodiment, other methods of adhering the sheath member 112 to the frame member 110 may be used.
As shown in Figure 11, the sheath 112 includes a top flap 130, bottom flap 132, and back flap 136. The top flap 130 and bottom flap 132 include holes 138 designed to provide access to the reels 120 of the cassette.
Optionally, a window 144 may also be provided in the top flap 130 to assist in viewing the tape during running conditions. As in the video cassette version of the present invention, the frame member 110 is provided with a top half M and a bottom half BB. The two halves are preferably friction fit together and sealed15 by the bonded sheath member 12, thus eliminating the need for screws to hold the halves together, for the same reasons earlier described with regard to the video cassette.
Referring now to Figures 15-17, the audio tape cassette constructed in accordance with the present invention usually is designed to have a tape feed20 area 142 that is open and accessible to infiltration by dirt or other foreign objects when not in use. To prevent damage to the tape from such foreign objects and dirt, a clip member 146 is designed to attach to the cassette and cover the tapefeed area 142 in a protective manner. The clip member 146 is also designed to provide stability to the cassette so that it can stand upright, horizontally or 25 vertically. The clip member 146 is generally constructed of plastic and includes inwardly projecting extrusions 148 designed to mate with indentations 150 located in the frame member 110. The mating of the extrusions 148 with the indentations 150 retain the protective clip member 146 in position. An alternative embodiment for the clip member 146, not shown in the drawings, 30 envisions the extension of one side of the member 146 to a location proximate -the reels 120 whereby the reels 120 are engaged and locked in place by the extended side of the clip member 146.
The above descriptions of the video and audio tape cassette version of the present invention are meant to be illustrative in nature and are not 5 intended to be solely limiting upon the scope and content of the following claims.
A
A
Claims (17)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A composite tape cassette for use with a tape playback and record device comprising, in combination:
a rigid frame member defining the shape of such tape cassette for supporting the reels and tape, such tape and reels being retained between a pairof opposed support members, said support members being engaged together to define opposed side panels and a back panel, said side panels further defining a top edge along one support member and a bottom edge along said second support member and corner portions at the junctures between said side panels and said back panel, and a tape gate in opposition to said back panel and extending between said two side panels, wherein said support members and back panel define a first thickness of rigid material and said corners, side members, top edge, bottom edge and tape gate define a second thickness of rigid material, said second thickness being greater than said first thickness; and a flexible sheath member bonded to said frame member to encompass said support members and back panel and to abut said top and bottom edges, tape gate and corners and provide surfaces for the application of graphics directly onto such tape cassette.
a rigid frame member defining the shape of such tape cassette for supporting the reels and tape, such tape and reels being retained between a pairof opposed support members, said support members being engaged together to define opposed side panels and a back panel, said side panels further defining a top edge along one support member and a bottom edge along said second support member and corner portions at the junctures between said side panels and said back panel, and a tape gate in opposition to said back panel and extending between said two side panels, wherein said support members and back panel define a first thickness of rigid material and said corners, side members, top edge, bottom edge and tape gate define a second thickness of rigid material, said second thickness being greater than said first thickness; and a flexible sheath member bonded to said frame member to encompass said support members and back panel and to abut said top and bottom edges, tape gate and corners and provide surfaces for the application of graphics directly onto such tape cassette.
2. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said rigid frame member is composed of a thermoplastic material.
3. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said flexible sheath member is of a thickness that, when bonded to said first area of thickness of rigid material, provides a composite thickness of rigid material and sheath member substantially equivalent to said second thickness of rigid material, whereby said flexible sheath member is protected from premature wear.
4. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said support members each provide substantially one-half of said frame member and are retained in engagement by screws.
5. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said support members each provide substantially one-half of said frame member and are retained in engagement by means of a post and hole friction fit.
6. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1 or 5, wherein the engagement of said support members is strengthened by the bonding of said sheath member to said first area of thickness.
7. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said first area of thickness includes an upraised bead sensitive to the application of ultrasound proximate the perimeter of said first area of thickness, wherein said upraised bead acts to bond said sheath member to said first area of thickness upon exposure to ultrasound.
8. A tape cassette as defined in claim 7, wherein said sheath member includes a coating of material on the surface intended to engage said frame member, said material coating acting to enhance the bond between said upraised bead and said sheath member when exposed to ultrasound.
9. A cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said sheath member is bonded to said first thickness of rigid material by an adhesive.
10. A cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said sheath member is bonded to said first area of thickness by hot melt glue.
11. A cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said sheath is composed of paperboard.
12. A cassette as defined in claim 1, further including a clip member for attaching to said tape cassette proximate the tape gate of such cassette to protect such tape.
13. A cassette as defined in claim 12, wherein said clip member includes a hub retainer member for engaging said reels of said cassette and locking said reels to prevent unwanted rotation.
14. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said first area of thickness provides a larger planar surface on each of said support members, said large planar surface extending between said side panels, said back panel and said tape gate.
15. A tape cassette as defined in claim 14, wherein said large planar surfaces each include cut-out areas from which said rigid material has been removed and cross-members of such rigid material extend across said cut-out areas to retain and support such tape and reels.
16. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said flexible sheath member includes a material coating intended to provide a moisture vapor transmission barrier for said sheath member.
17. A tape cassette as defined in claim 1, wherein said first area of thickness of rigid material is defined by said support members, back panel, side panels and top edge and said second and greater area of thickness of rigid material is defined by said corners, bottom edge, and tape gate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/897,233 US5311388A (en) | 1992-06-11 | 1992-06-11 | Composite tape cassette |
| US07/897,233 | 1992-06-11 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2134676A1 CA2134676A1 (en) | 1993-12-23 |
| CA2134676C true CA2134676C (en) | 1996-08-06 |
Family
ID=25407586
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002134676A Expired - Fee Related CA2134676C (en) | 1992-06-11 | 1993-06-08 | Composite tape cassette |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5311388A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0689710B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07507897A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE158100T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2134676C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69313874T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2108291T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993026009A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5311388A (en) * | 1992-06-11 | 1994-05-10 | Mclaren Edwin C | Composite tape cassette |
| US5482222A (en) * | 1993-01-07 | 1996-01-09 | V-Lite Corporation | Lightweight solid-core video cassette cartridge |
| US5568898A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1996-10-29 | Lcv Associates | Wrap around label |
| US5568899A (en) * | 1995-05-05 | 1996-10-29 | V-Lite Corporation | Lightweight video cassette cartridge |
| US5584440A (en) * | 1995-11-06 | 1996-12-17 | V-Lite Corporation | Lightweight video cassette cartridge |
| US5894268A (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 1999-04-13 | Mclaren; Edwin C. | Cassette and security strip therefor |
| US6186208B1 (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2001-02-13 | Intellishell, Inc. | Automatic cassette wrapping and assembly machine |
| WO2000010162A2 (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2000-02-24 | Verbatim Corporation | Large capacity, high performance tape cartridge |
| US6045079A (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2000-04-04 | Verbatim Corporation | Tape cartridge having a large door and pivotally mounted write protect arm |
| US6390402B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-05-21 | Verbatim Corporation | Tape cartridge having lockout features |
| US7215998B2 (en) * | 2003-01-06 | 2007-05-08 | Medtronic, Inc. | Synchronous pacemaker with AV interval optimization |
| US7162300B2 (en) * | 2003-01-13 | 2007-01-09 | Medtronic, Inc. | Synchronized atrial anti-tachy pacing system and method |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2951951A1 (en) * | 1979-12-22 | 1981-07-09 | Basf Ag, 6700 Ludwigshafen | TAPE CASSETTE FOR STRIP- OR TAPE-SHAPED RECORD CARRIERS, IN PARTICULAR MAGNETIC TAPES, AS WELL AS CASSETTE HOUSING AND PROTECTIVE / HOLDING CASE FOR WIND-UP RECORD CARRIERS |
| US4352578A (en) * | 1980-09-08 | 1982-10-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Paperboard ribbon cartridge |
| WO1988002916A1 (en) * | 1986-10-20 | 1988-04-21 | John Michael Woodbury | Video cassettes |
| US4891712A (en) * | 1987-12-03 | 1990-01-02 | Nfo Research, Inc. | Method of conducting marketing research by using video tape productions |
| US4883176A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1989-11-28 | Container Corporation Of America | Paperboard video cassette housing |
| EP0502077B1 (en) * | 1989-11-22 | 1995-07-05 | Sharbar Research And Development, Inc. | Limited use video cassette and integral mailer |
| US4978009A (en) * | 1989-11-27 | 1990-12-18 | William Pany | Video cassette box with removable panel |
| US4969612A (en) * | 1989-12-04 | 1990-11-13 | Thomas Robert G | Cassette formed from a bendable material |
| US5103978A (en) * | 1990-06-14 | 1992-04-14 | Secor Nancy A | Covers for videocassettes, videocassette jackets and similar like articles |
| US5311388A (en) * | 1992-06-11 | 1994-05-10 | Mclaren Edwin C | Composite tape cassette |
-
1992
- 1992-06-11 US US07/897,233 patent/US5311388A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-06-08 ES ES93916492T patent/ES2108291T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-06-08 DE DE69313874T patent/DE69313874T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-06-08 CA CA002134676A patent/CA2134676C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-06-08 EP EP93916492A patent/EP0689710B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-06-08 AT AT93916492T patent/ATE158100T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-06-08 WO PCT/US1993/005579 patent/WO1993026009A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-06-08 JP JP6501730A patent/JPH07507897A/en active Pending
-
1994
- 1994-01-27 US US08/188,209 patent/US5414582A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0689710A4 (en) | 1995-09-26 |
| EP0689710A1 (en) | 1996-01-03 |
| EP0689710B1 (en) | 1997-09-10 |
| DE69313874D1 (en) | 1997-10-16 |
| ATE158100T1 (en) | 1997-09-15 |
| CA2134676A1 (en) | 1993-12-23 |
| US5414582A (en) | 1995-05-09 |
| US5311388A (en) | 1994-05-10 |
| DE69313874T2 (en) | 1998-04-02 |
| WO1993026009A1 (en) | 1993-12-23 |
| JPH07507897A (en) | 1995-08-31 |
| ES2108291T3 (en) | 1997-12-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |