Patent ID: 6154338
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A recording/reproducing apparatus of the type in which a cartridge is inserted into the apparatus through an opening formed at a front panel of the apparatus to thereby perform recording/reproduction on/from a recording medium that is accommodated in the cartridge,wherein the cartridge comprises top, top-right side, top-left side, front end, rear end, and flat bottom surfaces, the top-right and top-left side surfaces each comprising a respective press protrusion, a recess being formed in the top surface between the respective press protrusions, and the rear end surface comprising a stopper protrusion at least partially closing the recess along the rear end surface, whereby the rear end surface and the front end surface have different cross-sectional shapes; andwherein the front panel comprises protrusions protruding inward of the opening at positions opposed to the recess in the front end surface of the cartridge such that the opening formed in the front panel is shaped the same as the cross-sectional shape of the front end surface of the cartridge to allow insertion of the front end surface into the opening and such that the opening formed in the front panel is shaped differently from the cross-sectional shape of the rear end surface of the cartridge to prevent insertion of the rear end surface into the opening.