Patent ID: 6880778
Filing Date: 2005-04-19
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A tape cartridge which can be inserted into a tape drive having an opening member, which can operatively engage with the tape cartridge at a time when the tape cartridge is inserted, and carrying out at least one of reading of data and writing of data, the tape cartridge comprising: a reel on which a tape is wound; a leader pin attached to a free end of the tape; a case which is hollow, which accommodates the reel, and which has a front wall portion facing in a cartridge insertion direction; a tape access opening provided at the case; a pin holding portion, provided in the case in a vicinity of the tape access opening, for holding the leader pin such that the leader pin can be freely released; an elastic member having a free end portion and a proximal portion, and anchoring the leader pin at the pin holding portion by pressing the leader pin by the free end portion; a supporting portion provided in the case and having one or more anchor ribs and a plurality of holding ribs for reinforcing the front wall portion, the supporting portion supporting the proximal portion of the elastic member between the one or more anchor ribs and the holding ribs; and a shielding member which can move reciprocatingly along an arc-shaped path of movement between a closing position for closing the tape access opening and an opening position for opening the tape access opening.