Patent ID: 6318657
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A tape cartridge, comprising:a tape reel having a reel coupling engageable with a motor coupling for rotation of the tape reel;a cartridge shell for housing the tape reel;a locking device coupled to the cartridge shell and engageable with the tape reel to lock the tape reel against rotation, wherein the locking device comprises a hollow central hub, a plurality of arms radiating from the hub, and a continuous annular ring supported by the plurality of arms and engageable with the tape reel for locking the tape reel;a first biasing device that biases the locking device towards locking engagement with the tape reel;a second biasing device that biases the tape reel towards engagement with a motor coupling;a disengagement device coupled to the locking device and engageable with a motor coupling to disengage the locking device from the tape reel upon engagement of the tape reel with a motor coupling, wherein the disengagement device comprises a disengagement protrusion, extending downward from a bottom surface of the hub, which abuts an upwardly protruding post of a motor coupling when the motor coupling and the reel coupling are engaged;a plurality of spokes downwardly protruding from the top surface of the cartridge shell, engageable with the plurality of arms of the locking device for preventing rotation of the locking device;wherein the first biasing device is a helical lock spring, the second biasing device is a helical engagement spring, and the lock spring, engagement spring and locking device are coaxial; and a cylindrical lock spring guide downwardly protruding from a top surface of the cartridge shell for supporting the lock spring, wherein one end of the lock spring abuts the cartridge shell and the other end of the lock spring abuts the bottom surface of the hub of the locking device; andwherein the plurality of spokes slidably support the locking device, and the lock spring fits around an outer diameter of the lock spring guide.