Patent ID: 6739537
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A single-reel tape cartridge cooperable with an operatively compatible tape drive including a tape catch member and a lock release pin, said tape cartridge comprising:a cartridge housing having a tape window and a lock release pin opening defined therein; a single reel rotatably accommodated within the cartridge housing and having a roll of a length of magnetic recording tape coaxially mounted thereon, said length of magnetic recording tape having one end anchored to the reel and the opposite end provided with a leader member that is positioned adjacent the tape window, said leader member being engageable with the tape catch member when the length of magnetic tape is to be drawn out of the cartridge housing and into the tape drive; and a releasable locking mechanism including a pair of first locking members and a second locking member cooperable with each other to lock the leader member at a retracted position at which the leader member is housed within the cartridge housing and positioned adjacent the tape window, wherein the first locking members are secured to top and bottom panels of the cartridge housing adjacent the tape window for receiving the leader member at the retracted position in a predetermined posture and the second locking member is positioned adjacent the tape window and cooperates with the first locking members to lock the leader member at the retracted position, said second locking member including a bearing boss for mounting the second locking member within the cartridge housing, said bearing boss having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the magnetic tape; wherein a portion of said second locking member is positioned adjacent to the lock release pin opening, said portion being engageable with the lock release pin to pivot said second locking member out of engagement with the leader member.