Patent ID: 6411466
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A tape cartridge wherein a single tape reel on which a length of tape is wound is turnably held within a housing comprising an upper casing and a lower casing, the lower casing having an opening through which a drive shaft of a recorder is to be inserted, said tape reel having a hub which is open at a top thereof and is closed at the bottom with a bottom wall, the bottom wall of said hub having holes for engagement with a brake release plate including a main plate and legs, teeth formed on the outer surface of the underside of said hub for engagement with a metal disk and the drive shaft of a recorder, teeth to engage a brake lock formed on an inner surface of the bottom wall of said hub, the brake release plate being mounted in said hub with the legs fitted in the holes of the bottom wall, a brake lock resting on said brake release plate, said brake lock having brake teeth formed on the periphery of the underside to mesh with the teeth of said hub and having a follower projection on the upper surface which is adapted to be guided by a guide projection formed in the upper casing so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly but not turnable, and a spring member provided between said brake lock and upper casing to urge said brake lock in the braking position, wherein a first reinforcing structure is provided between a center area of the main plate and the legs of the brake release plate, the reinforcing structure comprising ribs extended, one for each, from a center area of the main plate to the legs.