(12) United States Patent
`Hansen et al.
`
`USOO631523OB1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,315,230 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Nov. 13, 2001
`
`(54) TAPE REEL ASSEMBLY WITH WASHER
`GUARD FOR ADATA STORAGE TAPE
`CARTRIDGE
`
`(75) Inventors: Carter J. Hansen; William D. Lewis,
`both of Wahpeton, ND (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Imation Corp., Oakdale, MN (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/542,533
`(22) Filed:
`Apr. 4, 2000
`7
`(51) Int. Cl.' ..................................................... G03B 23/02
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 242/348; 242/118.6; 360/132
`(58) Field of Search ..................................... 242/341, 342,
`242/340, 338, 343, 343.1, 343.2, 345.1,
`348, 118.6, 118.61, 608.2, 608.8, 609.4,
`612; 360/132
`
`(56)
`
`5,826,811 * 10/1998 Melbye et al.................... 242/343 X
`5,871,166
`2/1999 Doninelli ............................. 242/340
`6,043,963 * 3/2000 Eaton ..........
`... 360/132
`6,264,126
`7/2001 Shima et al. ......................... 242/343
`* cited b
`cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner William A. Rivera
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Eric D. Levinson
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A tape reel assembly for maintaining a data Storage tape. The
`tape reel assembly includes a hub ring, an engagement
`Section, a metallic ring and opposing flanges. The hub ring
`defines a tape-winding Surface and forms a central opening.
`p
`9.
`pening
`The engagement Section extends Substantially radially
`inwardly relative to the tape-winding Surface and includes
`an inner Surface, an outer Surface and an annular flange. The
`annular flange extends Substantially axially from the outer
`Surface and defines an axial passage. The metallic ring is
`Secured to the Outer Surface of the engagement Section and
`has an inner diameter. In this regard, the inner diameter of
`the metallic ring is greater than a diameter of the axial
`passage Such that the annular flange extends axially within
`the inner diameter of the metallic ring. Finally, the opposing
`References Cited
`flanges extend radially from opposite ends of the hub ring,
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`respectively. With this configuration, the annular flange
`protects the metallic ring from accidental contact with a tape
`10/1988 Gelardi.
`4,775,115
`4,879,614 * 11/1989 Nakagome ....................... 360/132 X drive post during use. In addition, the annular flange Serves
`5,027,249 : 6/1991 Johnson et al. ...
`to co-axially align a drive assembly with the tape-winding
`... 360/132
`5,323,984
`6/1994 Lackowski ........................... 242/348
`Surface, thereby improving cartridge performance.
`5,400.981
`3/1995 Rambosek et al. .
`5,618,005
`4/1997 Todd et al. ........................ 242/345.1
`5,657,937
`8/1997 Todd et al. .
`
`20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`1
`TAPE REELASSEMBLY WITH WASHER
`GUARD FOR ADATA STORAGE TAPE
`CARTRIDGE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a tape reel assembly for
`a data Storage tape cartridge. More particularly, it relates to
`a tape reel assembly configured to improve cartridge per
`formance and minimize damage to an associated metallic
`washer during use.
`Data Storage tape cartridges have been used for decades in
`the computer, audio and Video fields. The data Storage tape
`cartridge continues to be an extremely popular form of
`recording large Volumes of information for Subsequent
`retrieval and use.
`A data Storage tape cartridge generally consists of an outer
`shell or housing maintaining at least one tape reel assembly
`and a length of magnetic Storage tape. The Storage tape is
`wrapped about a hub portion of the tape reel assembly and
`is driven through a defined tape path by a driving System.
`The housing normally includes a separate cover and base,
`the combination of which forms an opening (or window) at
`a forward portion thereof for allowing access to the Storage
`tape by a read/write head upon insertion of the data Storage
`tape cartridge into a tape drive. This interaction between
`Storage tape and head may take place within the housing (for
`example, with a mid-tape load design), or the Storage tape
`may be directed away from the housing to an adjacent area
`at which the read/write head is located (for example, with a
`helical drive design or a leader block design). Where the tape
`cartridge/drive System is designed to direct the Storage tape
`away from the housing, a single tape reel assembly is
`normally employed. Conversely, where the tape cartridge/
`drive System is designed to provide head/storage tape inter
`action within or very near the housing, a two- or dual-tape
`reel assembly configuration is typically utilized.
`Regardless of the number of tape reel assemblies associ
`ated with a particular data Storage tape cartridge, the tape
`reel assembly itself is generally comprised of three basic
`components, namely, an upper flange, a lower flange, and a
`hub body. The hub body forms an outer, tape-winding
`Surface about which the Storage tape is wound. The flanges
`are disposed at opposite ends of the hub, and are spaced to
`approximate the height of the Storage tape. With most
`available tape reel assemblies, the hub body includes a
`cylindrical hub ring and a radial engagement Section or web.
`The hub ring defines the tape-winding Surface and forms a
`central opening sized to Slidably receive a brake body. The
`engagement Section extends radially inwardly from the hub
`ring at one end thereof. The engagement Section typically
`includes an interior, toothed Surface formed to Selectively
`engage teeth formed on the brake assembly to "lock' the
`tape reel assembly to the housing. The brake assembly is
`accessible through a passage formed in the engagement
`Section. Thus, upon insertion into a tape drive, a post or
`Spindle portion of a drive hub extends through the passage
`and contacts the brake assembly, directing the brake assem
`bly from the locked position.
`To facilitate engagement between the tape reel assembly
`and the drive hub, the tape reel assembly typically further
`includes a metallic washer or ring, whereas the drive hub
`includes a corresponding magnet. The metallic ring is
`Secured to an outer Surface of the engagement Section,
`generally axially aligned with the tape-winding Surface. The
`magnet is reciprocally located along the drive hub. So as to
`maximize magnetic force between the metallic ring and the
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`magnet, the metallic ring is formed to be as large as possible.
`In this regard, the metallic ring typically has an inner
`diameter Smaller than a diameter of the passage formed in
`the engagement Section. As a result, during use, the inner
`diameter Surface of the metallic ring is the Surface proximate
`or “closest to the drive post as the post is inserted into, and
`retracted from, the tape reel assembly.
`The hub body and the metallic ring are normally formed
`to Satisfy tight tolerance requirements. However, inherent
`manufacturing/assembly constraints may result in the metal
`lic ring not being precisely axially aligned with the hub
`body, and in particular the tape-winding Surface. This vari
`ability in co-axial alignment between the metallic ring and
`the tape-winding Surface may negatively affect performance
`of the data Storage tape cartridge due to changes in relative
`Velocity as the hub rotates. In addition, during tape drive
`engagement, because the inner diameter Surface of the
`metallic ring is effectively “exposed’ relative to the drive
`hub post, it is possible that the post will undesirably contact
`an edge of the misaligned metallic ring. Alternatively, the
`drive itself may be misaligned, again resulting in the post
`undesirably contacting the “exposed' metallic ring. Contact
`between the metallic ring and the drive hub post may
`damage one or both of the components. In addition, as the
`post is retracted from the tape reel assembly, the post may
`contact and pull or force the metallic ring away from the tape
`reel hub. Beyond the obvious damage to the tape reel
`assembly, the removed metallic ring may remain affixed to
`the drive hub magnet, requiring the user to Stop tape drive
`operations while waiting for a Service technician to repair
`the tape drive.
`Data Storage tape cartridges are important tools used to
`maintain vast amounts of information. To remain
`competitive, data Storage tape cartridge manufacturers must
`continually improve cartridge performance while reducing
`manufacturing costs. To this end, use of readily available
`metallic rings does optimize costs, but may lead to unex
`pected cartridge damage and/or alignment concerns.
`Therefore, a need exists for a tape reel assembly including
`a metallic ring guard.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`One aspect of the present invention relates to a tape reel
`assembly for use with the data Storage tape cartridge. The
`tape reel assembly includes a hub ring, an engagement
`Section, a metallic ring and opposing flanges. The hub ring
`defines a tape-winding Surface and forms a central opening.
`The engagement Section extends Substantially radially
`inwardly relative to the tape-winding Surface and includes
`an inner Surface, an outer Surface and an annular flange. The
`annular flange extends Substantially axially from the outer
`Surface and defines an axial passage. The metallic ring is
`Secured to the Outer Surface of the engagement Section and
`has an inner diameter that is greater than a diameter of the
`axial passage. With this configuration, the annular flange
`extends axially within the inner diameter of the metallic
`ring. Finally, the opposing flanges extend radially from
`opposite ends of the hub ring, respectively. During use, the
`annular flange physically protects the metallic ring from
`coming into contact with any object, Such as a drive chuck
`post, that is axially inserted into, or retracted from, the axial
`passage. To this end, the annular flange effectively Separates
`the inner diameter of the metallic ring from the object
`entering the axial passage Such that the annular flange is
`proximate the object. In one preferred embodiment, the
`annular flange is configured to coaxially position the metal
`lic ring relative to the tape-winding Surface.
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`US 6,315,230 B1
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`3
`Another aspect of the present invention relates to a data
`Storage tape cartridge including a housing, at least one tape
`reel assembly, and a Storage tape. The housing defines an
`enclosure. The tape reel assembly is disposed within the
`enclosure and includes a hub ring, an engagement Section, a
`metallic ring and opposing flanges. The hub ring defines a
`tape-winding Surface and forms a central opening. The
`engagement Section extends Substantially radially inwardly
`relative to the tape-winding Surface and includes an inner
`Surface, an outer Surface and an annular flange. The annular
`flange extends Substantially axially from the outer Surface to
`define an axial passage. The metallic ring is Secured to the
`outer Surface of the engagement Section and has an inner
`diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axial passage.
`With this configuration, the annular flange extends axially
`within the inner diameter of the metallic ring. The opposing
`flanges extend radially from opposite ends of the hub ring,
`respectively. Finally, the Storage tape is wound about the
`tape-winding Surface. During use, the data Storage tape
`cartridge is inserted into a tape drive. The tape drive includes
`a drive chuck having a central post. Upon engagement with
`the tape drive, the post is axially inserted into, and retracted
`from, the axial passage. The annular flange Serves to prevent
`the post from contacting the metallic ring, thereby prevent
`ing damage thereto.
`Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a
`tape reel assembly for use with a data Storage tape cartridge.
`The tape reel assembly includes a hub body, a metallic ring,
`a guard, and first and Second flanges. The hub body includes
`a hub ring and an engagement Section. The hub ring defines
`a tape winding Surface and opposing first and Second ends.
`The engagement Section extends Substantially radially
`inwardly relative to the tape-winding Surface adjacent the
`first end, and includes an inner Surface and an Outer Surface.
`The hub body forms a central opening for receiving a brake
`body, the central opening being accessible through an axial
`passage in the engagement Section. The metallic ring is
`Secured to the outer Surface of the engagement Section Such
`that the metallic ring is generally axially aligned with the
`central opening. In this regard, the metallic ring defines
`leading and trailing inner edges, with the leading inner edge
`being positioned adjacent the engagement Section. The
`guard is positioned to encompass the leading inner edge of
`the metallic ring. In particular, the guard is configured to
`Substantially prevent a drive chuck post from contacting the
`leading inner edge upon insertion into the central opening.
`Finally, the first and Second flanges extend radially out
`wardly from the first and second ends of the hub ring,
`respectively. In one preferred embodiment, the guard is an
`annular flange formed along the engagement Section.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a data Storage
`tape cartridge in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a bottom, perspective view of a tape reel
`assembly in accordance with the present invention associ
`ated with the data Storage tape cartridge of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the tape
`reel assembly of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the tape reel assembly
`of FIG. 3A upon final assembly;
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative tape reel
`assembly in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a tape drive system
`including the tape reel assembly of FIG. 2 and a portion of
`a tape drive prior to engagement; and
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`4
`FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the tape drive system
`of FIG. 5A, depicting the tape reel assembly engaged by the
`tape drive.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`One preferred embodiment of a data Storage tape cartridge
`10 is shown in FIG. 1. Generally Speaking, the data Storage
`tape cartridge 10 includes a housing 12, at least one tape reel
`assembly 14, a storage tape 16, and a brake assembly 18.
`The tape reel assembly 14 is disposed within the housing 12.
`The Storage tape 16, in turn, is wound about a portion of the
`tape reel assembly 14 and includes a free-end 20 attached to
`a leader block 22. Finally, the brake assembly 18 is centrally
`positioned within a portion of the tape reel assembly 14 and
`is connected to a portion (not shown) of the housing 12.
`The housing 12 is sized in accordance with industry
`accepted tape drive form factors. Thus, the housing 12 can
`assume a form factor Size of approximately 125 mm=110
`mm=21 mm, although other form factors or dimensions are
`equally acceptable. With this in mind, the housing 12 is
`defined by a first housing Section 24 and a Second housing
`Section 26. In one preferred embodiment, the first housing
`Section 24 provides a cover, whereas the Second housing
`Section 26 Serves as a base. It should be understood that as
`used throughout this specification, directional terminology,
`such as “cover,” “base,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,”
`etc., are used for purposes of illustration only, and are in no
`way limiting.
`The first and Second housing Sections 24, and 26 are
`configured to be reciprocally mated to one another to define
`an enclosure 28 for maintaining various other components of
`the data Storage tape cartridge 10. The housing 12 is
`preferably generally rectangular, except for one corner 30,
`which is angled and forms a leader block window 32. The
`leader block window 32 is configured to hold the leader
`block 22 and Serves as an opening for the Storage tape 16 to
`exit from the enclosure 28 Such that the Storage tape 16 can
`be threaded to a tape drive (not shown) when the leader
`block 22 is removed from the leader block window 32.
`Conversely, when the leader block 22 is Snapped into the
`leader block window 32, the leader block window 32 is
`covered.
`In addition to the leader block window 32, the second
`housing Section 26 further forms an opening 34. The open
`ing 34 facilitates access to the tape reel assembly 14 by a
`drive chuck portion of a tape drive (not shown). Conversely,
`the first housing Section 24 includes a connector (not shown)
`extending from an inner face thereof. The connector is
`positioned opposite the opening 34 and is configured to
`retain a portion of the brake assembly 18. As is known to
`those of ordinary skill in the art, in one preferred
`embodiment, the connector is a tab sized to slidably receive
`a portion of the brake assembly 18. Alternatively, the con
`nector may assume other forms known in the art, Such as a
`Series of teeth.
`Leader blocks are also well known in the art. In one
`embodiment, a front Surface of the leader block 20 includes
`a slot 36 for engaging an automatic threading apparatus of
`a reel-to-reel magnetic tape drive apparatus (not shown) and
`engages an inclined Surface of the corner 30 of the housing
`12. A rear surface 38 is rounded to form a portion of an arc
`of a radius to match the periphery of the take-up hub (not
`shown) in the tape drive apparatus as the leader block 22 fits
`into a slot in the take-up hub. Alternatively, other configu
`rations known in the art for the leader block 22 are equally
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`acceptable. Even further, depending upon a desired configu
`ration of the data Storage tape cartridge 10, the leader block
`22 may be eliminated, Such as with a dual tape reel design.
`The tape reel assembly 14 is described in greater detail
`below, and generally includes an upper flange 40, a lower
`flange 42 and a hub body 44. The storage tape 16 is wound
`about the hub body 44, constrained laterally by the flanges
`40, 42. Further, the tape reel assembly 14 defines a central
`opening 46 sized to receive the brake assembly 18. Upon
`final assembly, the central opening 46 is generally axially
`aligned with the opening 34 in the housing 12.
`The Storage tape 16 is preferably a magnetic tape of a type
`commonly known in the art. For example, the Storage tape
`16 can consist of a balanced polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)
`based material coated on one side with a layer of magnetic
`material dispersed within a Suitable binder System, and on
`the other Side with a conductive material dispersed within a
`Suitable binder System. Acceptable magnetic tape is
`available, for example, from Imation Corp. of Oakdale,
`Minn.
`The brake assembly 18 is known in the art and preferably
`consists of a spring 50 and a brake body 52. The spring 50
`is preferably a coil spring formed to bias the brake body 52
`within the central opening 46 of the tape reel assembly 14.
`In this regard, the brake body 52 preferably includes a
`toothed Surface 54 configured to engage a corresponding
`portion of the tape reel assembly 14 in a “locked' position.
`The tape reel assembly 14 is shown in greater detail in
`FIG. 2. The tape reel assembly 14 includes the opposing
`flanges 40, 42, the hub body 44 and a metallic ring 60. The
`upper and lower flanges 40, and 42 are Secured to, and
`extend radially outwardly from, opposite ends of the hub
`body 44. The metallic ring 60 is preferably secured to the
`hub body 44, for example by tabs 62. Finally, a toothed
`section 64 is formed on an outer surface of the hub body 44.
`AS shown in greater detail in the croSS-Sectional view of
`FIG. 3A, the hub body 44 is preferably comprised of a hub
`ring 70 and an engagement section 72. The hub ring 70 is
`cylindrical and forms a tape-winding Surface 74. The
`engagement Section 72 is preferably a web of material
`extending radially inwardly relative to the tape winding
`Surface 74, and includes an inner Surface 76, an outer Surface
`78, an annular flange 80, and the tabs 62. Finally, the hub
`body 44 forms the central opening 46, preferably defined by
`the hub ring 70. As previously described, the central opening
`46 is sized to slidably maintain the brake assembly 18 (FIG.
`1). The central opening 46 is accessible by a tape drive (not
`shown) via a central, axial passage 82 formed in the engage
`ment section 72, preferably defined by the annular flange 80.
`The inner surface 76 of the engagement section 72
`preferably forms a plurality of teeth 90 for selectively
`engaging the toothed surface 54 of the brake body 52 (FIG.
`1). Alternatively, other forms of engagement between the
`brake body 52 and the engagement Section 72 can be
`provided as known in the art. Similarly, the outer surface 78
`of the engagement Section 72 forms the toothed Section 64
`(best shown in FIG. 2). Finally, the annular flange 80 is
`preferably formed to extend in an axial fashion from the
`outer surface 78 (or downwardly relative to the orientation
`of FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 3A, the preferred axial
`extension of the annular flange 80 defines an inner diameter
`Surface 92, an outer diameter Surface 94 and a leading end
`96. As previously described, the annular flange 80, and in
`particular the inner diameter Surface 92, defines a diameter
`of the axial passage 82. In one preferred embodiment, the
`inner diameter surface 92 has a relatively uniform diameter
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`in the range of 0.3-0.5 inch (7.6-12.7mm), most preferably
`approximately 0.438 inch (11.12 mm). The outer diameter
`surface 94 is similarly preferably uniform, having a diameter
`in the range of approximately 0.4–0.6 inch (10.2-15.2 mm),
`most preferably approximately 0.540 inch (13.72 mm).
`Finally, the axial eXtension of the annular flange 80 gener
`ates a height or length, defined by a distance between the
`outer surface 78 and the leading end 96. In one preferred
`embodiment, the length of the annular flange 80 corresponds
`with a thickness of the metallic ring 60. With this in mind,
`the annular flange 80 preferably has a length in the range of
`approximately 0.04-0.12 inch (1.02-3.05 mm); most pref
`erably approximately 0.084 inch (2.134 mm). For reasons
`made clear below, each or all of the above-described pre
`ferred dimensions can be altered in accordance with a
`desired size and shape of the tape reel assembly 14.
`Each of the flanges 40, 42 and the hub body 44 are molded
`from a rigid polymer, preferably ten percent glass filled
`polycarbonate, although a wide variety of other relatively
`rigid materials can alternatively be employed, as known in
`the art, for example acetal. AS shown in FIG. 3A, the upper
`flange 40 is molded separately from the lower flange 42 and
`the hub body 44, and Subsequently assembled thereto.
`Alternatively, the lower flange 42 can be formed apart from
`the hub body 44. Even further, although the hub body 44,
`including the hub ring 70 and the engagement Section 72, is
`preferably integrally formed, the engagement Section 72
`may be separately formed and Subsequently attached to the
`hub ring 70. Regardless, the annular flange 80 is preferably
`precision molded to be co-axial with the tape-winding
`Surface 74. This relationship dictates positive, accurate
`positioning of a tape drive spindle (not shown) by the
`annular flange 80 relative to the tape-winding surface 74
`during use.
`The metallic ring 60 is preferably a stainless steel washer.
`Alternatively, other metallic materials are equally accept
`able. Relative to the orientation of FIG. 3A, the metallic ring
`60 includes an upper surface 100, a lower surface 102, an
`inner axial Surface 104 and an outer axial Surface 106. The
`upper surface 100 and the inner axial surface 104 combine
`to define a leading edge 108, whereas the lower surface 102
`and the inner axial surface 104 combine to define a trailing
`edge 110. Although shown in cross section in FIG. 3A, it
`should be understood that both the leading and trailing edges
`108, 110 are circular. Finally, the metallic ring 60 preferably
`forms a plurality of holes 112 corresponding with the tabs 62
`of the hub body 44.
`The inner axial Surface 104 defines an inner diameter of
`the metallic ring 60 and preferably corresponds with a
`diameter of the outer diameter Surface 94 of the annular
`flange 80. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the inner
`axial Surface 104 of the metallic ring 60 has a diameter in the
`range of approximately 0.4–0.6 inch (7.6-12.7 mm), most
`preferably approximately 0.55 inch (14 mm). Alternatively,
`other diameters, approximating, or preferably slightly larger
`than, the diameter of the outer diameter Surface 94 of the
`annular flange 80 are acceptable. The outer axial surface 106
`of the metallic ring 60 similarly corresponds with a dimen
`Sion of the engagement Section 72, and in one preferred
`embodiment is in the range of approximately 1.0–1.5 inch
`(25.4-38.1 mm), most preferably approximately 1.35 inch
`(34.3 mm). Once again, however, other dimensions are
`equally acceptable.
`As shown in FIG. 3B, the metallic ring 60 is assembled to
`the engagement section 72 such that the upper surface 100
`of the metallic ring 60 abuts the outer surface 78 of the
`engagement Section 72. The tabs 62 extend through the
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`corresponding holes 112 in the metallic ring 60 to secure the
`metallic ring 60 to the engagement section 72. The tabs 62
`are ultrasonically welded to secure the metallic ring 60.
`Alternatively, other known coupling configurations can be
`employed.
`With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, upon final assembly,
`the annular flange 80 encompasses the leading edge 108 of
`the metallic ring 60. More particularly, in one preferred
`embodiment, the annular flange 80 extends within the inner
`diameter of the metallic ring 60 such that the outer diameter
`surface 94 of the annular flange 80 abuts the inner axial
`surface 104 of the metallic ring 60. With this configuration,
`the annular flange 80 positively positions the metallic ring
`60 to be substantially co-axial with the tape-winding surface
`74. Further, the length of the annular flange 80 preferably
`corresponds with a thickness of the metallic ring 60 such that
`the leading end 96 is substantially flush with the lower
`surface 102. In a most preferred embodiment, the leading
`end 96 is slightly recessed from the lower surface 102 by a
`distance on the order of approximately 0.002 inch, although
`other relationships are equally acceptable.
`As is made clear by FIG. 3B, upon final assembly, the
`annular flange 80 defines a minimum diameter of the axial
`passage 82. That is to Say, the diameter of the inner diameter
`Surface 92 is less than a diameter of the inner axial Surface
`104 of the metallic ring 60. This relationship is in direct
`contrast to prior art tape reel assemblies whereby the metal
`washers defines the minimum diameter of the axial passage
`and is thus “exposed'. AS described in greater detail below,
`the present invention allows for the annular flange 80 to
`“protect the metallic ring 60, and in particular the leading
`edge 108, during use of the tape reel assembly 14. Notably,
`this same feature will prevent damage during assembly of
`the metallic ring 60. For example, a metal shaft (not shown)
`is typically employed to direct the metallic ring 60 toward,
`and into engagement with, the engagement Section 72. In
`this regard, the annular flange 80 prevents the metal shaft
`from inadvertently contacting, and therefore possibly
`damaging, the metallic ring 60 upon retraction of the metal
`shaft. In addition, the annular flange 80 allows for a more
`precise, co-axial alignment between the tape-winding Sur
`face 74 and a drive assembly (not shown).
`While the annular flange 80 has been preferably described
`as extending Substantially along an entire thickness of the
`metallic ring 60, other configurations are equally acceptable.
`For example, a portion of an alternative embodiment tape
`reel assembly 120 is depicted in cross-section in FIG. 4. The
`tape reel assembly 120 includes, in part, a hub body 122 and
`a metallic ring 124. The hub body 122 includes a hub ring
`126 and an engagement Section or web 128. The engagement
`section 128 extends radially inwardly from the hub ring 126
`and includes an inner Surface 130, an outer Surface 132 and
`an annular flange 134. The metallic ring 124 includes an
`upper surface 136, a lower surface 138, an inner axial
`surface 140 and an outer axial surface 142. The metallic ring
`124 is assembled to the engagement Section 128 Such that
`the upper surface 136 abuts the outer surface 132 of the
`engagement Section 128. In this regard, an inner groove 144
`and an Outer groove 146 are formed along the upper Surface
`136.
`Unlike the annular flange 80 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
`annular flange 134 has a length that is less than a thickneSS
`of the metallic ring 124. However, similar to the annular
`flange 80, the annular flange 134 is configured to encompass
`a leading edge 148 of a metallic ring 124, formed at the inner
`groove 144. Thus, upon final assembly, the annular flange
`134 has an inner diameter that is less than a diameter of at
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`15
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`25
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`US 6,315,230 B1
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`8
`least a portion of the inner axial surface 140 of the metallic
`ring 124. To this end, the inner groove 144 is sized to receive
`the annular flange 134 to facilitate assembly thereof. In one
`further preferred embodiment, the outer groove 146 is
`provided as an assembly orientation feature. Alternatively,
`however, the outer groove 146 can be eliminated.
`Use of the tape reel assembly 14 in accordance with the
`preferred embodiment in conjunction with a tape drive 150
`is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. For ease of illustration, only
`a drive chuck 151 portion of the tape drive 150 is depicted,
`and includes a drive hub 152, a metal post 154 and a magnet
`156. AS is well known in the art, the drive hub 152 is
`rotatable about the post 154 and defines teeth 158 sized to
`mesh with the toothed section 64 of the tape reel assembly
`14. Similarly, the magnet 156 is sized to magnetically attract
`the metallic ring 60. Finally, the post 154 is configured to
`passage through the axial passage 82 and into the central
`opening 46 direct the brake assembly 18 (FIG. 1) from the
`locked position.
`Use of the data storage tape cartridge 10 (FIG. 1) in
`conjunction with the tape drive 150 begins with insertion of
`the data Storage tape cartridge 10 Such that the tape reel
`assembly 14 is axially aligned with the drive chuck 151 as
`shown in FIG. 5A. Upon activation of the tape drive 150, the
`drive chuck 151 is maneuvered toward the tape reel assem
`bly 14 such that the post 154 is inserted into the axial
`passage 82 in axial fashion. In this regard, the annular flange
`80 provides a guide surface at the leading end 96 for
`directing the post 154 into the axial passage 82 Such that the
`post 154 is axially aligned with a central axis of the tape reel
`assembly 14. Effectively, then, the annular flange 80
`co-axially aligns the post 154 relative to the tape-winding
`surface 74, due to the precision molding of the hub 44. This
`is in contrast to prior art tape reel assemblies in which the
`metallic ring is relied upon to position the post 154. Further,
`the preferred extension o