Patent ID: 7040564

Claim:
A data storage tape cartridge for a tape drive system having a drive hub, the data storage tape cartridge comprising: a housing comprising a first section having a central boss and a second section assembled to the first section and having an opening in alignment with the central boss; a tape reel having an axis of rotation and including first and second spaced flanges and a cylindrical hub extending between the first and second flanges, a magnetic tape wound around the hub between the flanges, the hub of the reel being received over the central boss in a spaced relationship; a reel lock for stabilizing the tape reel, comprising a first ring of teeth formed on an inner diameter of the first flange, a second ring of teeth associated with the central boss, the first and second rings of teeth being axially moveable relative to each other, a drive hub engaging member biased toward the second flange and being assembled to the central boss and axially movable relative to the central boss, a spring engages the first section of the housing and biases the drive hub engaging member and tape reel to hold the first ring of teeth into engagement with the second ring of teeth, the drive hub engaging member is adapted to be contacted by the drive hub of the tape drive system, wherein the drive hub shifts the drive hub engaging member against the biasing force of the spring to lift the second flange thereby centering the tape reel and disengaging the first ring of teeth from the second ring of teeth.