CASSETTE LOCKING SYSTEM

摘要

The locking and unlocking of the cassette (10) is provided by utilizing a mechanism which cooperates with the reel brakes (16) which are currently unutilized in video cassettes. When a cassette is inserted into a cassette player, a standard pin (44) in the player protrudes upwardly through a hole (46) in the base of the cassette and pivots a crank or lever (28) which releases the brakes. A locking or disabling mechanism (36) is operated or inactivated by a separate tool in the control of the retail rental outlet so that the brake release mechanism will function in the usual manner upon being engaged by the standard pin found in a cassette player. Further, activating the brake release lever (28) operates or readies the disabling mechanism in the cassette so that when the cassette is removed from the cassette player, the brake release lever (28) is once more disabled so that the cassette cannot be replayed without once again being unlocked or operated by the unlocking device in the possession of the rental outlet.