Patent ID: 7073742
Filing Date: 2006-07-11
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A reel for spooling tape thereon, comprising: a hub, wherein tape wraps around the hub; and two flange members axially spaced apart on the hub and extending radially from the hub, the flanges including opposing surfaces such that the tape may pass between the opposing surfaces and wrap around the hub, wherein at least one of the opposing surfaces includes a guiding portion wherein a separation distance between the opposing surfaces of the flanges corresponding to the guiding portion decreases in a circumferential direction as the tape is wound on the hub, the guiding portion is spatially fixed with respect to at least one of the flanges, a minimum separation region between the opposing surfaces of the flanges corresponding to the guiding portion, the minimum separation region is less than the width of the tape without tension applied to the tape, and the guiding portion is operable to guide the tape as it passes between the opposing surfaces.