Patent ID: 6268982
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A latch system for a removable cartridge disk drive, comprising:a removable cartridge having a top shell, a bottom shell, a disk disposed between the top shell and the bottom shell, and a latch for latching together the top shell and the bottom shell, the top shell and the bottom shell pivotable between an open and a closed position about a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the disk, the closed position substantially enclosing the disk, the open position enabling access to the disk, the latch including:a strike member pivotally coupled to the cartridge, the strike member having a catch that latches together the top shell and the bottom shell; anda biasing spring urging the strike member to a closed position; and a load ramp coupled to the disk drive for loading and unloading an actuator arm of the disk drive, the load ramp striking the strike member to unlatch the cartridge in response to the cartridge being inserted into the disk drive.