FILE HISTORY
`US 6,462,905
`
`6,462,905
`PATENT:
`INVENTORS: Takahashi, Daisuke
`Shiga, Hideaki
`Tsuyuki, Seiji
`
`TITLE:
`
`Magnetic tape cartridge
`
`APPLICATION
`NO:
`FILED:
`ISSUED:
`
`US2000707774A
`
`08 NOV 2000
`08 OCT 2002
`
`COMPILED:
`
`22 FEB 2016
`
`SONY Exhibit 1002
`SONY v. FUJI
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 1
`
`

`

`707774au ISSUE
`CLASSIFICATION
`
`PATENT NUMBER
`
`
`
`
`6462905
`
`OA
`
`6462905
`
`APPLICATION NO,
`
`
`
`
`09/7 707774
`conor aco
` APPLICANTS
`
`Rivgnetic haps mearkr ice
`
`mig TWEE.Wek.
`SUBCLAS.
`ARTUNIT
`lizZ 2652
`
`
`
`
`THLE
`
`PTO-2040
`12/99
`
`
`
`aa CROSSREFERENCE(S)
`
`
`
`|crass|susctass|crass|f_ suBcLass (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK)
`IF||
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`
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`|
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`GMaze/oZ7_|
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`Cc TERMINAL
`DISCLAIMER
`4e Figs.Drwg.|PrintFig. 6talClaims PrintClaimforO.G.
`
`
`
`
`f
` | DB Theterm of this patent
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`subsequentto
`(date)
`
`has been disclaimed.
`{Assistant Examiner)
`
`
`
`
`C1
`Theterm ofthis patent shall
`not extend beyond the expiration date
`
`of U.S Patent. No.
`
`:
`
`
`
`
` C1 the terminal ——months of
`
`this patent have been disclaimed.
`
` + {Legal Instruments Examiner) (Date)
`
`
`
`WARNING:
`
`
`The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure may be prohibited by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122, 181 and 368.
`
`Possession outside the U.S, Patent & Trademark Office Is restricted te authorized employees and contractors only.
`Foxm PTO-496A
`‘FILED with:
`[([] Disk (CRF) [[]FicHe [[]cp-Rom
`{Attached in pocketon rightinside flap)
`
`ie
`one at Deemings( __shis} set
`
`
`
`(FACE)
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 2
`Ex. 1002 - Page 2
`
`

`

`6,462,905
`
`MAGNETIC TAPE CARTRIDGE
`
`Transaction History
`
`Transaction Description
`Date
`11-08-2000 Workflow - Drawings Finished
`11-08-2000 Workflow - Drawings Matched with File at Contractor
`11-08-2000 Request for Foreign Priority (Priority Papers May Be Included)
`11-08-2000
`Initial Exam Team nn
`12-06-2000
`IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security Review
`02-14-2001 Application Dispatched from OIPE
`02-14-2001 Correspondence Address Change
`02-26-2001 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`03-09-2001 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`10-30-2001
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`10-30-2001
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`12-17-2001 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`05-20-2002 Mail Notice of Allowance
`05-20-2002 Notice of Allowance Data Verification Completed
`05-22-2002 Receipt into Pubs
`05-22-2002 Dispatch to Publications
`05-23-2002 Workflow - File Sent to Contractor
`05-23-2002 Workflow - File Sent to Contractor
`06-20-2002 Receipt into Pubs
`08-20-2002
`Issue Fee Payment Verified
`08-20-2002 Workflow -Received 85b - Unmatched
`08-20-2002
`Issue Fee Payment Received
`08-22-2002 Application Is Considered Ready for Issue
`09-10-2002 Receipt into Pubs
`09-19-2002
`Issue Notification Mailed
`10-08-2002 Recordation of Patent Grant Mailed
`10-08-2002 Patent Issue Date Used in PTA Calculation
`(cid:3)
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 3
`
`

`

`sfessog 43.
`
`
`
`a wats fads. 7
`11/08/00
`CONTENTS
`Date Recelved
`(Incl. C. of M.)
`or
`Date Mailed
`
`1. ApplicationEE 4
`2.
`3.
`5.
`
`AAA
`
`5
`6
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`papars,
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`(Incl. C. of M.)
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`(LEFT OUTSIDE)
`
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 4
`Ex. 1002 - Page 4
`
`
`
`“PATENT APPLICATION
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`if more than 150 claims or 10 actions
`staple additional sheet here
`
`(LEFT INSIDE)
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 5
`Ex. 1002 - Page 5
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`3||
`
`wo[3/8]#/S|
`
`ISSUE SLIP STAPLE AREA (for additional cross references)
`
`
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`~~ POSITION
`— po
`
`FEE ETEAMINATION ee
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`INDEX OF CLAIMS
`
`OH
`scesatsscertesnenssneentesseaee Rejected
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`Fe
`sessesnecneseneennernnsnasnee Allowed
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`mo
`
`ssssssereceneeenensnsvenvense Restricted
`
`RESPONSE FORMALITYREVIEW|
`
`Claim
`
`Date
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`

`
`
`SEARCHED ~
`
`SEARCH NOTES
`(INCLUDING SEARCH STRATEGY)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INTERFERENCEINTERFERENCESEARCHED_]
`
`
`Glass_[ sub.[Date|amr.|
`Foo \132-
`|G| Ke
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`(RIGHT OUTSIDE)
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 6
`Ex. 1002 - Page 6
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`

`

`AIOA
`US006462905B1
`
`«2 United States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US6,462,905 B1
`Takahashi et al.
`
`Oct. 8, 2002(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) MAGNETIC TAPE CARTRIDGE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Daisuke Takahashi; Hideaki Shiga;
`Seiji Tsuyuki, all of Kanagawa-ken (JP)
`
`(73) Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.,
`Kanagawa-Ken (JP)
`Subject to anydisclaimer, the termof this
`patent
`is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C, 154(b) by 132 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/707,774
`(22)
`Filed:
`Nov. 8, 204K}
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`11-317166
`Nov. 8, 1999
`(JP)
`.
`.
`. 11-318464
`Nov. 9, 1999
`(JP)
`
`
`GI1LB 23/027
`(G1)
`Int. cl’.
`» 360/132
`(52) US. CL,
`Field of Search.
`........
`saiainiasacs 360/132; 242/338.1,
`(58)
`242/338.2
`
`(56)
`
`EP
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT
`DOCUMENTS
`5,366,173 A
`11/1994
`Lammers etal.
`........
`242/338.1
`
`McAllister et al.
`. 242/348
`5,901,916 A
`5/1999
`6,113,020 A *
`9/2000
`242/338.1
`Nayak
`6,234,416 Bl
`5/2001
`*
`Nayak
`6,318,657 Bl
`* 11/2001
`Nayak
`.
`Stabile et al.
`6,344,944 B2*
`2/2002
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`LO/ 1988
`0 284 687 A2
`
` . 242/336
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`wo
`wo
`
`0926 676 Al
`1054 403 Al
`1058259 A2
`
`97/1592
`99/65032
`
`6/1999
`11/2000
`12/2000
`5/1997
`12/1999
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Robert S. Tupper
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Sughmue Mion, PLLC
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A magnetic tape cartridge includes a magnetic tape wound
`around a single reel, a cartridge casing in which the reel is
`housed for rotation and a reel stopper which locks the reel
`nol to rotate when the magnetic tape cartridge is not being
`used and releases the reel
`to permil
`to rotate when the
`magnetic tape cartridge is to be used. The reel stopper
`includes a braking member which is movable between a
`locking position where il is in contact withthe reel to restrict
`rotation ofthe reel and a releasing position whereit is away
`from the reel
`to permit rotation of the same, an urging
`member which urges the braking member toward the lock-
`ing position, and a
`releasing member which is rotated
`integrally with the reel and moves the braking member
`towardthe releasing position in response to a reel chucking,
`aclion of the reel drive means of a tape drive. The braking,
`memberis provided with a braking gear which is adaptedto
`be engaged, torestrict rotation of the reel, with an engage-
`ment gear tooth on an engagement projection formed on the
`reel while the reel is provided with a guide member which
`centers the braking member with respect to the reel.
`
`4 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`a>
`io 34 4 44
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`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 7
`Ex. 1002 - Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 8, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 6,462,905 Bl
`
`£OlGgpbvcobHpobvGE2
`VEREWSYNALAELTATASNSESSASERS62
`yaESYYHeTRMW)VRRSSVYSUSESSBASSANIISSSSSYSNSSSS
`BONNDOREEEZ
`
`02ece
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 8
`Ex. 1002 - Page 8
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 8, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 6,462,905 BL
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`Ex. 1002 - Page 9
`Ex. 1002 - Page 9
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 8, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 6,462,905 BI
`
`
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`Ex. 1002 - Page 10
`Ex. 1002 - Page 10
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 8, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 6,462,905 BI
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`PRIOR ART
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 11
`Ex. 1002 - Page 11
`
`

`

`1
`MAGNETIC TAPE CARTRIDGE
`
`US 6,462,905 Bl
`
`2
`inclined when the brake member is moved to the locking
`position where the braking gear thereon is brought
`into
`engagement with an engagement gear on the reel and the
`brake member is moved to the release position in this state
`can be conceived. Further,
`that
`the brake member was
`incorporated in the magnetic tape cartridge inclined relative
`fo the recl when the magnetic tape cartridge was assembled
`can be conceived.
`Whenthe braking gear teeth onthe brake memberare like
`sawteecth in shape and the surface of each tooth facing
`against the tape-unwinding direction of the reel is substan-
`tially normal,
`though rotation of the reel
`in the tape-
`unwinding direction can be surely prevented, there is fear
`that the magnetic tape is cut when the reel is rotated in the
`tape-winding direction due to drop impact when the mag-
`netic tape cartridge drops.
`That is, when the braking gear and the engagement gear
`are engaged with each otherat a substantially normal surface
`facing against the tape-unwinding direction, the reel cannot
`be rotated in the tape-unwinding direction. Further, a leader
`member such as a leader pin is fixed to the end of the
`magnetic tape wound around the reel, and the leader member
`is held near the tape draw-out opening ofthe cartridge casing,
`when the magnetic tape cartridge is not being used. When
`the brake member is moved and the braking gear is disen-
`gagedfrom the engagement gear due to drop impact with the
`reel rotated in the tape-winding direction under inertia, a
`tape winding force acts on the magnetic lape whose end is
`fixed by the leader member. Since the reel cannot be rotated
`in the tape-unwinding direction or the direction in which the
`tension on the magnetic is released, the tape winding force
`acting on the magnetic tape can stretch the tape to deteriorate
`the magnetic recording and reproducing characteristics,
`remove the leader member from the magnetic tape, cut the
`magnetic tape, or displace the leader member from the
`predetermined position to disable the regular tape draw-out
`action, thereby deteriorating the reliability of the magnetic
`lape cartridge.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In view ofthe foregoing observations and description, the
`primary object of the present
`invention is to provide a
`magnetic tape cartridge in which the braking gear of the reel
`stopper means is suppressed from being brought into contact
`with the reel when the reel stopper meansis in the release
`position.
`invention is to provide a
`Another object of the present
`magnetic tape cartridge in which the reel can be surely
`prevented from being rotated while occurrence of the mag-
`netic tape being cul can be prevented when the magnetic
`lape cartridge is not being used.
`In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
`there is provided a magnetic lape cartridge comprising a
`magnetic tape wound around a single reel, a cartridge casing
`in which the reel is housed for rotation and a reel stopper
`means which locks the reel not to rotate when the magnetic
`tape cartridge is not being used and releases the reel
`to
`permil rotation thereof when the magnetic tape cartridge is
`to be used, wherein the improvement comprises that the reel
`stopper means comprises a braking member which is mov-
`able between a locking position where il is in contact with
`the reel to restrict rotation of the reel and 4 releasing position
`where it is away from the reel to permil rotation of the same,
`an urging member which urges the braking member toward
`the locking position, and a releasing member which is
`rotated integrally with the reel and moves the braking
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to a magnetic tape cartridge com-
`prising a cartridge casing and a single reel which is housed
`in the cartridge casing for rotation and around which a
`magnetic tape is wound, and more particularly to a structure
`of a reel stopper means for preventing rotation ofthe reel
`when the magnetic tape cartridge is not being used.
`2. Deseription of the Related Art
`As a recording medium for use in an external memory of
`a computerorthe like, there has been known a magnetic tape
`cartridge comprising a magnetic tape wound around a single
`reel and a cartridge casing in which the reel is housed for
`rotation. Since the magnetic tape is used for storing data in
`a computerorthe like and important informationis stored on
`the magnetic tape, the magnetic tape cartridge is provided
`with a reel stopper means which prevents rotation of the reel
`when the magnetic tape cartridge is not being used, e.g.
`when the magnetic tape cartridge is being stored, so that
`trouble such as lape jam does not occur and the magnetic
`lape is not accidentally drawn out.
`‘The reel stopper means is provided with a brake member ~—
`which is adapted to be engaged with the reel to prevent
`rotation of the reel and is disengaged from the reel to permit
`rotation of the reel in response to a reel chucking action of
`the recl drive means of a tape drive such as an external
`memory when the magnetic lape cartridge is loaded in the
`tape drive.
`In order to improve reliability of the action of the reel
`stopper means and to prevent dust from entering the car-
`tridge casing, the reel stopper means may be, for instance, of
`a structure comprising a brake member which restricts
`rotation of the reel, an urging member which urges the brake
`member toward a
`locking position in which the brake
`memberrestricts rotation of the reel, and a release member
`which is moved in response to a reel chucking action of the
`reel drive means ofa tape drive to move the brake member
`toward a release position in which the brake member
`releases the reel to permil rotation of the same.
`That is, when the magnetic lape cartridge is not being
`used, the brake member locks the reel so that the reel is not
`accidentally rotated and the magnetic tape is not accidentally
`drawn out, and when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded
`in a tape drive, the release member drives the brake member
`to release the reel in response to a reel chucking action of the
`reel drive means of the tape drive. In this state, the reel can
`be rotated and loading/unloading of the magnetic tape is
`permitted,
`In such a structure, il is advantageous in simplifying the
`structure that the release member is adapted to be brought
`into abutment against a part of the reel drive means ofthe
`lape drive and the reel drive means pushes a part of the
`release memberto drive the brake memberto release the reel
`when the reel drive means chucks the reel. However, in this
`case, when the release member drives the brake member to
`release the reel, the brake member can be inclined as shown
`in FIG. 5 and the gear teeth on the brake member can be
`brought into contact with the rear teeth on the reel while the
`ree! is rotated, which results in generation ofnoise, obstruc-
`tion of rotation of the reel and unstable magnetic tape
`loading/unloading, action.
`As a cause of the brake member being inclined, that the
`brake member becomes off-centered and comes to be
`
`35
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`48
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`50
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`35
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`oo
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`65
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`Ex. 1002 - Page 12
`Ex. 1002 - Page 12
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`

`

`3
`member toward the releasing, position in response to a reel
`chucking action of the reel drive means of a tape drive, and
`the braking memberis provided with a braking gear which
`is adapted to be engaged,torestrict rotation of the reel, with
`an engagement gear tooth on an engagement projection
`formed on the reel while the reel is provided with a guide
`member which centers the braking member with respect to
`the reel.
`ILis preferred that the guide member comprises guide ribs
`which are formed on the inner surface of the reel hub at at
`least
`three places, cach having an inclined surface which
`inclines downward from the upper portion of the inner
`surface of the reel hub toward the center of the reel.
`In the magnetic tape cartridge in accordance with the first
`aspect of the present invention, when the braking member is
`moved downward from the releasing position to the locking
`position,
`the braking member is centered by the guide
`members sothat the braking gear is brought into mesh with
`the engagement gear teeth with the braking member held
`horizontal, whereby the braking memberis prevented from
`being inclined in the locking position. When the braking
`memberis subsequently moved to the releasing position by
`the releasing member, the braking member is held horizontal
`up to the releasing position. Accordingly, the phenomenon
`that
`the braking member is inclined can be suppressed, ~
`whereby the braking gear is prevented from contacting the
`engagement gear teeth to generate noise or to obstruct
`rotation of the reel.
`Further, during assembly of the magnetic tape cartridge,
`the braking memberis automatically centered in the reel hub
`by the guide members and is incorporated in place in the
`reel, whereby assembly of the magnetic tape cartridge is
`facilitated.
`In accordance with a second aspect of the present
`invention, there is provided a magnetic tape cartridge com-
`prising a magnetic tape wound around a single reel, a
`cartridge casing in which the reel is housed for rotation and
`a reel stopper means which locks the reel not to rotate when
`the magnetic tape cartridge is not being used and releases the
`reel
`lo permit
`rotation thereof when the magnetic tape
`cartridge is to be used, wherein the improvement comprises
`that
`the reel stopper means comprises a braking member
`which is movable between a locking position where it is in
`contact with the reel to restrict rotation of the reel and a
`releasing position where it is away from the reel to permit
`rolalion of the same, an urging member which urges the
`braking membertoward the locking position, and a releasing
`member whichis rotated integrally with the reel and moves
`the braking member
`toward the releasing position in
`response to a reel chucking action of the reel drive means of
`a tape drive, and the braking member is provided with a
`braking gear which is adapted to be engaged, to restrict
`rotation ofthe reel, with an engagement gear on an engage-
`mentprojection formedon the reel, the outer diameter of the
`engagement gear being larger than that of the braking gear.
`In the magnetic lape cartridge in accordance with the
`second aspect of the present invention, when the braking
`memberis moved downward from the releasing position to
`the locking position, the braking member is centered by the
`difference between the outer diameters of the engagement
`gear and the braking gear so that the braking gear is brought
`into mesh with the engagement gear teeth with the braking
`member held horizontal, whereby the braking member is
`prevented from being inclined in the locking position, When
`the braking member is subsequently moved to the releasing
`position by the releasing member, the braking member is
`
`35
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`40
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`48
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`50
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`oo
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`65
`
`US 6,462,905 Bl
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`4
`held horizontal up to the releasing position. Accordingly, the
`phenomenon that the braking member is inclined can be
`suppressed, whereby the braking gear is prevented from
`contacting the engagementgear teeth lo generate noise or to
`obstruct rotation of the reel.
`In accordance with a third aspect ofthe present invention,
`there is provided a magnetic tape cartridge comprising a
`magnetic tape wound around a single reel, a cartridge casing,
`in which the reel is housed for rotation and a reel stopper
`means which locks the reel not to rotate when the magnetic
`tape cartridge is not being used and releases the reel
`to
`permit rotation thereof when the magnetic tape cartridge is
`to be used, wherein the improvement comprises that the reel
`Stopper means comprises a braking member which is mov-
`able between a locking position where it is in contact with
`the reel to restrict rotation of the reel and a releasing position
`whereit is away from the reel to permit rotation of the same,
`an urging member which urges the braking member toward
`the locking position, and a releasing member which is
`rotated integrally with the reel and moves the braking
`member toward the releasing position in response to a reel
`chucking action of the reel drive meansof a tape drive, the
`braking member is provided with a braking gear which is
`adapted to be engaged,to restrict rotation of the reel, with an
`engagement gear tooth on an engagement projection formed
`on the reel, and each ofthe gear teeth of the braking gear has
`a first
`inclined surface which is brought
`into abutment
`against the engagement gear teeth whenthe reelis rotated in
`the tape-unwinding direction with the braking gear and the
`engagement gear tooth in mesh with each other and a second
`inclined surface which is brought into abutment against the
`engagement gear teeth when the reel
`is rotated in the
`tape-winding direction with the braking gear and the
`engagement gear tooth in mesh with each other, the first and
`second inclined surfaces forming therebetween an apical
`angle not larger than 90°, and the interior angle between the
`first inclined surface and the vertical being not larger than
`the interior angle between the second inclined surface and
`the vertical.
`In the magnetic tape cartridge in accordance with the third
`aspect of the present invention, since the apical angle of the
`braking gear tooth is not larger than 90° and the interior
`angle for the first inclined surface of the braking gear tooth
`which is brought into abutment against the engagement gear
`teeth when the reel is rotated in the unwinding direction and
`the interior angle for the second inclined surface which is
`brought
`into abutment against the engagement gear teeth
`when the reel
`is rotated in the winding direction are not
`smaller than 30° with the former smaller than the latter,
`rotation ofthe reel can be surely prevented and when the reel
`is rotated in the winding direction due to drop impactor the
`like and an excessive winding force acts on the magnetic
`tape, the braking member is moved toward the releasing,
`position along the first inclined surface and the braking gear
`is disengaged from the engagement gear teeth, whereby the
`reel
`is rotated in the unwinding direction to reduce the
`tension on the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape can be
`prevented from being stretched or cut.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG.1 is a perspective view showing a state of a magnetic
`lape cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention when the magnetic tape cartridge is not
`being used,
`fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
`FIG, 2 is a
`magnetic tape cartridge shown in FIG. 1 when the magnetic
`lape cartridge is being used,
`
`Ex. 1002 - Page 13
`Ex. 1002 - Page 13
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`FIG, 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A—A in
`FIG. 2,
`FIG, 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B—B in
`FIG, 2, and
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a
`state of a magnetic tape cartridge where the braking member
`is inclined,
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`A magnetic tape cartridge 1
`in accordance with an
`embodiment ofthe present invention will be described with
`reference to the drawings, hereinbelow.
`The magnetic tape cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge
`casing 3 formed by fastening together upper and lower
`casing halves 31 and 32 by screws or the like. A single reel
`2 around which a magnetic tape (not shown) is wound is
`housed for rotation in the cartridge casing 3. The lower
`casing half 32 is provided with a central opening 32a. ‘The
`magnetic tape cartridge 1
`is further provided with a reel
`stopper means 10 which permits rotation ofthe reel 2 when
`the magnetic tape cartridge I
`is being used and restricts
`rotation of the ree] 2 when the magnetic tape cartridge 1 is
`not being used.
`The reel 2 comprises a reel hub 2 which is a cylindrical
`member having a closed bottom and around which the
`magnetic tape is wound, and lower and upper flanges 22 and
`23. The reel hub 21 and the lower Mange 22 are integrally
`formed by synthetic resin molding. The upper flange 23 is
`bonded to the reel hub 21,
`for instance, by ultrasonic
`welding. The reel hub 21 is provided with a bottom wall 2la
`at
`the lower end portion thereof and a reel gear 24 for
`rotating the reel 2 is annularly formed on the lower surface
`of the bottom wall 21a, and annular reel plate 25 which is
`magnetically attracted by a reel drive means 11 ofa reeord-
`ing, and reproducing apparatus is mounted on the lower
`surface of the bottom wall 21a inside the reel gear 24. The
`reel 2 is urged downward by an urging means § to be
`described later.
`The reel drive means 1 is provided with an annular drive
`gcar 13 and a magnet (not shown) disposed on the top
`surface of a
`rotary shaft 12. When the magnetic tape
`cartridge 1 loaded in a bucket of the tape drive is moved
`downward toward the rotary shaft 12, the drive gear 13 is
`brought into mesh with the reel gear 24 and the reel plate 25
`is magnetically attracted against the magnet to hold the drive
`gear 13 and the reel gear 24 in mesh with each other. In this
`manner, the reel drive means 11 chucks the reel 2.
`The mechanism of the reel stopper means 10 will be
`described, hereinbelow. The reel stopper means 10 com-
`prises a braking member 4 which is movable up and down
`between a locking position where it
`is in contact with the
`rec] 2 to restrict rotation of the reel 2 and a releasing position
`where it is away from the reel 2 to permit rotation of the
`same, an urging member 5 which urges the braking member
`4 toward the locking position, and a releasing member 6
`which moves the braking member 4 toward the releasing
`position.
`As shownin FIG. 3, three through holes 26 are formed in
`the bottom wall 214¢ ofthe reel 2 al regular angular intervals
`in the circumferential direction to extend through the portion
`at which the reel gear 24 is formed. On the upper surface of
`the bottom wall 21a, there are erected three pairs of (six)
`engagement projections 27 al regular angularintervals in the
`circumferential direction among, the through holes 26. The
`upper end of each engagement projection 27 is formed into
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`an engagement gear teeth 29 as shown in FIG. 4. The
`through holes 26 may belarger than three in number and the
`engagement projections 27 may be larger three pairs in
`number. Further, the upper end of each engagement projec-
`tion 27 may be formed into a single gear tooth.
`The braking member 4 has a disc portion 41 which is
`disposed in the reel hub 21 opposed to the bottom wall 21a,
`and an annular braking gear 42 is formed on the lower
`surface ofthe dise portion 41 along the outer peripheral edge
`thereof. The braking gear 42 is adapted to be engaged with
`the engagement gear 29 on the engagement projections 27.
`‘The central part of the lower surface of the disc portion 41
`is convex downward and formsa sliding portion 41¢ which
`is pressed against a sliding portion 61a on the upper surface
`of a body portion 61 of a releasing member 6 to be described
`later.
`The outer diameter D of the engagement gear formed by
`the engagementgear teeth 29 on the engagement projections
`27 on the reel 2 (FIG. 3) is larger than the outer diameter d
`(FIG, 2) of the braking gear 42 on the braking member 4.
`‘The braking gear 42 and the engagement gear 29 are conical
`in shape and the height of cach tooth is higher al the outer
`periphery thereof. Accordingly,
`the braking gear 42 is
`engaged with the engagement gear 42 al their outer periph-
`eries first.
`When the braking gear 42 on the braking member 4 is
`brought
`into mesh with the engagement gear 29 on the
`engagement projections 27, the outer periphery of the brak-
`ing member 4 is guided by guide members 39 formedon the
`inner surface of the reel hub 21 of the reel 2. The guide
`members 39 are respectively provided between each pair of
`engagement projections 27, and accordingly three guide
`members 39 are provided on the inner surface of the reel hub
`21. Each guide member 39is in the form of a rib having an
`inclined surface which gradually inclines downward from
`the upper portion of the inner surface of the reel hub 21
`toward the engagement projections 27, and the guide mem-
`bers 39 center the braking gear 42 when the outer periphery
`of the braking gear 42 is brought into contact with the
`inclined surfaces.
`As shown in FIG, 4, each gear tooth of the braking gear
`42 ofthe braking member4 and each engagement gear tooth
`29 on the engagement projection 27 are triangular in cross-
`section. The gear tooth of the braking gear 42 has a first
`inclined surface 42a which faces against the tape-unwinding,
`direction U and abuts against a first inclined surface 29a of
`the engagement gear tooth 29 on the engagementprojection
`27 which faces toward the tape-unwinding direction U, and
`a second inclined surface 425 which faces against
`the
`tape-winding direction W and abuts against a second
`inclined surface 29 of the engagementgear tooth 29 on the
`engagement projection 27 which faces toward the tape-
`winding direction W. When the reel 2 is rotated in the
`tape-unwinding, direction U with the braking gear 42 in
`mesh with the engagementgear teeth 29 on the engagement
`projection 27,the first inclined surfaces 42aofthe gear teeth
`ofthe braking gear 42 are brought into abutment against the
`first inclined surfaces 29@ of the engagement gear teeth 29,
`and when the recl 2 is rotated in the tape-winding direction
`W with the braking gear 42 in mesh with the engagement
`gear teeth 29 on the engagement projection 27, the second
`inclined surfaces 42of the gear teeth of the braking gear 42
`are brought into abutment against the second inclined sur-
`faces 29H of the engagement gear teeth 29. Each ofthe gear
`tooth 42 and the gear tooth 29 is not larger than 90° in apical
`angle y, and the interior angle @ between the first
`inclined
`surface 42¢ (or 29a) and the vertical S andthe interior angle
`
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`of the reel hub 21 and the lower end portions of the leg
`f between the second inclined surface 425 (or 29) and the
`portions 63 project downward beyondthetips ofthe teeth of
`vertical ( are not smaller than 30°. Further, the interior angle
`the reel gear 24. The braking member 4 is in abutment
`at for thefirst inclined surface 42a (29a) is not larger than the
`against the releasing member 6 and in its locking position
`interior angle f\ for the second inclined surface 42b (295).
`where the braking gear 42 is in mesh with the engagement
`That is, 60°SyS90°, 30°Sas45°, and 30°SAS60°.
`gear teeth 29 of the engagement projections 27 on the reel
`A projection 44 extends upward from the upper surface of
`2, whereby rotation of the reel 2 is restricted and the
`the disc portion 41 of the braking member 4, and a cross-
`magnetic tape is prevented from being drawn oul.
`shaped engagement groove 45 is formed in the projection 44
`As shown in FIG. 2, when the magnetic tape cartridge 1
`to extend in the vertical direction. An engagement projection
`is loadedin a tape drive, the rotary shaft 12 of the reel drive
`33 extending downward from the inner surface of the upper
`means LL of the tape drive is moved toward the lower
`casing half 31 of the cartridge casing 3 is in engagement
`surface of the reel 2 and the drive gear 13 is brought into
`with the engagement groove 45 ofthe braking member 4,
`mesh with the reel gear 24 with the reel 2 slightly pushed
`whereby the braking member 4 is held in the cartridge casing
`upward, whereby the leg portions 63 of the releasing mem-
`3 to be movable up and down but not to be rotatable.
`ber 6 are pushed upward by the tips of the teeth of the drive
`Acoiled spring (urging member) 5 is compressed between
`gear 13. Thus, the releasing member 6 is moved upward
`a portion ofthe upper surface of the disc portion 41 around
`overcoming the force of the urging member 5 and the
`the projection 44 and a spring retainer portion 34 formed on
`braking member 4 is moved upward together with the
`the upper casing half 31 around the engagement projection
`releasing member 6, whereby the braking gear 42 is disen-
`33, whereby the braking member 4 is urged toward the
`gagedfrom the engagement gearteeth 29 ofthe engagement
`locking position where the braking gear 42 is engaged with
`projections 27 and rotation ofthe reel 2 is permitted, In this
`the engagementgear teeth 29 on the engagement projections
`state, the braking member 4 in its upper position is away
`27.
`from the guide members 39 and does not restrict rotation of
`‘The releasing member 6 is disposed to be movable up and
`the ree