Tape cartridge comprising a reel lock mechanism

Abstract

A tape cartridge comprising a housing, a tape reel disposed within that housing, where that tape reel is capable of rotation around a first axis, and where that tape reel includes a hub and a reel coupling which is engageable with a motor coupling for rotation of the tape reel. The tape cartridge further includes a brake plate disposed within the hub, where that brake plate is capable of moving in a first direction and in an opposing second direction along the first axis, but where the brake plate is not capable of rotation around the first axis. The brake plate includes a first side, an opposing second side, a brake plate gear disposed on the second side, and a fixturing assembly disposed on the first side. The tape cartridge further includes a clutch plate disposed within the hub, where that clutch plate is capable of moving in a first direction and in an opposing second direction along the first axis, and where that clutch plate is capable of rotation around the first axis. The clutch plate includes a first surface, an opposing second surface, where the second side of the clutch plate is rotatably disposed on the second side of the brake plate, and where one or more release pins are disposed on the first surface of the clutch plate, and where those release pins each include a distal end which extends through, and outwardly from, the cartridge.