Interlock mechanism for preventing deployment of film loading chamber of a camera

摘要

Described herein is an improved film cartridge handling mechanism for effecting end-wise loading of a film cartridge into a deployable loading chamber (30) of a camera (28) for automatic film advance into a film transport path on closure of the loading chamber (30). The mechanism also locks the loading chamber (30) in the closed position when the filmstrip is advanced from the film cartridge, and prevents the loading chamber (30) from being deployed when the filmstrip is in the filmstrip transport path. The loading chamber (3) includes an opening (34) into which a cartridge is loaded. The chamber (30) is pivoted into a film supply cavity (32) so that the filmstrip can be withdrawn from its cartridge. Interlock means (64) prevent deployment of the chamber (30) out of the film supply cavity (32) once the filmstrip is being withdrawn from its cartridge by drive means (40).