Tape support

In a tape drive wherein a data storage tape is transferred between a take up reel and a cartridge reel of a removable cartridge, a method of maintaining the data storage tape between at least one tape guide and a plurality of tape rollers comprising the steps of:

• positioning the at least one tape guide in relative close proximity to the tape rollers;
• providing a tape support between the at least one tape guide and the tape rollers, the tape support including a plurality of bristles on each tape roller;
• and
• resting an edge of the storage tape against the tape support when the storage tape loses tape tension such that the storage tape remains positioned between the at least one tape guide and the tape rollers.

A tape drive adapted for use with a cartridge, the cartridge including a cartridge reel, a cartridge leader and a storage tape, the tape drive comprising:

• a take-up reel;
• a cartridge receiver that receives the cartridge;
• a tape roller positioned to define a tape path around which the storage tape is transferred between the cartridge reel and the take-up reel;
• a tape guide positioned in close proximity to the tape roller such that the storage tape traverses therein between;
• and
• a tape support that maintains the storage tape between the tape guide and the tape roller, the tape support including a bristle that extends away from the tape roller.

A tape drive adapted for use with a cartridge, the cartridge including a cartridge reel, a cartridge leader and a storage tape, the tape drive comprising:

• a take-up reel;
• a cartridge receiver that receives the cartridge;
• a tape roller positioned to define a tape path around which the storage tape is transferred between the cartridge reel and the take-up reel, the tape roller including a bottom;
• a tape guide positioned in close proximity to the tape roller such that the storage tape traverses therein between;
• and
• a tape support that maintains the storage tape between the tape guide and the tape roller, the tape support including a bristle that extends away from the tape guide towards the bottom of the tape roller, the bristle including a longitudinal body;
• wherein, when tape tension is lost, the storage tape rests on the longitudinal body of the bristle.