Abstract: A disk clamping mechanism for disk recording and reproducing devices of the type in which when a disk cartridge with a disk enclosed therein is inserted into the device the disk clamping mechanism is actuated to clamp the raised groove guard formed around the rim of the disk so that when the cartridge is pulled out of the device the disk remains therein. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of clamping fingers with projections adapted for engagement with the groove guard when the forces pulling out the cartridge are transmitted to the disk. A linkage or a mechanism comprising a wedge and tapered surfaces is operatively connected to the clamping fingers in such a way that when a pulling force is exerted on the disk and the clamping fingers, the linkage or mechanism causes the clamping arms or fingers to move further toward each other, thus exerting a stronger clamping force on the disk.

Abstract: A container for holding at least one recording disk, including a container base formed with a circular opening and a disk holding space, and engaging and holding members movable between a first position for engaging and holding the disk and a second position for releasing the disk from the holding engagement, the engaging and holding members in the first position preventing the disks from coming out from the disk holding space. The disk held in the container can be placed on a turntable of a disk playing system without requiring user's manual attention. Such a disk playing system includes, besides the turntable, a loading base, release pins, a disk cam for actuating the release pins, and a vertically moving screw. When the disk container is placed on the loading base, the disk cam rotates to move the release pins so as to bring the release pins into engagement with the respective engaging and holding members, and to move the latter to the second position in which the disk is placed on the turntable.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for a disk-shaped recording medium, wherein a pickup detects signals from a rotating disk-shaped recording medium in contact with the latter. The reproducing apparatus is so constructed that vertical and horizontal movements of the pickup can be selectively made by actuating only one control knob, and that the horizontal movement of the pickup is prevented when the latter is in contact with the disk-shaped recording medium, even if the control knob is erroneously or accidentally actuated.