Slanted tape leader block

#The invention relates to a take-up reel assembly for use with a tape cartridge in a tape transport, and the reel assembly includes a slanted leader block.

#Magnetic tape is frequently used to store digital data thereon. Such tape may be housed in a tape cartridge that protects the tape from damage. A leader block attached to a free end of the tape is used to withdraw the tape from the cartridge for read/write operations.

#Read/write operations are performed by a tape transport that is configured to receive the cartridge. A threading mechanism, such as a threading or loading post, grabs the leader block and pulls it free from the cartridge. The threading mechanism then pulls the leader block through a series of guide posts or bearings, across a longitudinal read/write head, and into a slot in a take-up reel to thereby thread the tape through the tape transport. Once threaded, the tape from the cartridge can be driven across the read/write head for data transfer operations, and wound on a hub of the take-up reel.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a take-up reel assembly according to the invention for use with a tape cartridge in a cartridge-based tape transport;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the take-up reel assembly including a take-up reel and a leader block, the take-up reel having an annular hub and first and second tape guides;

#FIG. 3 is a side view of the take-up reel assembly;

#FIG. 1 shows an exemplary take-up reel assembly 10 according to the invention for use with a tape cartridge 12 in a cartridge-based tape transport 13. The tape cartridge 12 includes magnetic recording tape 14 wound on a supply reel, and the tape 14 has multiple longitudinal tracks for storing data. The tape transport 13 includes multiple guide posts or bearings 15 and a read/write head 16 for performing read/write operations on the tape 14.

#Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the take-up reel assembly 10 includes a take-up reel 17 and a slanted leader block 18 attached to a free end of the tape 14. The take-up reel 17 is configured to couple with the leader block 18, and to allow tape 14 to be wound thereon. The take-up reel 17 includes first and second tape guides 20 and 22, respectively, and an annular hub 24. The first and second tape guides 20 and 22 have first and second generally flat guide surfaces 26 and 28, respectively, that are parallel to each other.

#The hub 24 has an axis of rotation 30, an annular hub surface 32 extending between the guide surfaces 26 and 28, and a radial hub slot 34 extending from the hub surface 32 toward the axis 30 for receiving the leader block 18. The hub surface 32 has first and second hub edges 36 and 38, respectively, that extend between the guide surfaces 26 and 28. Furthermore, a major portion of each hub edge 36 and 38 extends in a direction non-perpendicular to the guide surfaces 26 and 28. Preferably, the hub edges 36 and 38 are generally straight and are parallel to each other. Furthermore, each of the hub edges 36 and 38 preferably forms an angle in the range of 80 to 85 degrees with each of the guide surfaces 26 an 28. Alternatively, the hub edges 36 and 38 may be non-parallel, such as shown in FIG. 6.