Patent ID: 6932295

Claim:
A tape reel within a tape path for storing a tape, said reel comprising: a first flange attached to a hub, said hub having a first axis, said first flange being perpendicular to said first axis; a second flange attached to the hub, the second flange being substantially parallel to the first flange and perpendicular to said first axis; the second flange having a tapered inner surface, said tapered inner surface being tapered with, respect to said first axis of said hub; and said reel being tilted with respect to a plane of said tape path so that said inner surface is located in a plane that is horizontal to a plane of said tape path at a point where said tape exits said reel; said first flange having an inner surface and an outer surface; said second flange having an outer surface; said inner surface and said outer surface of said first flange and said outer surface of said second flange all being located in planes that are generally horizontal to said plane of said tape path prior to said reel being tilted; and a packing device coupled to said hub below said first flange and above said tape for packing said tape against only one flange.