Tape cassette

A tape cassette for use in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a brake release pin located parallel to and near a pair of reel engaging shafts comprising:

• a housing including a bottom plate;
• first and second tape reels rotatably mounted in said housing in substantially the same plane which is parallel to said bottom plate, said first and second reels being spaced a predetermined distance apart and each having a flange portion and teeth provided on the periphery of said flange portion;
• first and second brake pieces pivotably mounted in said housing and having respective tooth engaging end portions for respective removable engagement with the teeth of said first and second reels to prevent rotation thereof;
• biasing means for pivotably biasing said first and second brake pieces into respective engagement with said teeth of said first and second reels;
• a single through-hole formed in said bottom plate;
• and,
• a brake releasing means including an operating arm normally covering the entire area of said through-hole, said brake releasing means being pivotable by pushing pressure exerted on said operating arm by said brake release pin immediately prior to engagement of said shafts with said first and second reel, said brake releasing means further including a mechanism for engaging with said first and second brake pieces upon pivotal movement of said brake releasing means to pivot said brake pieces against the biasing force of said biasing means and away from respective engagement with said teeth on said first and second reels.