Takeup leader for single reel tape drives with increased flexibility for improved performance

摘要

A flexible takeup leader that prevents a deformation in the takeup leader from causing a tape drive failure. The takeup leader comprises an elongated main body integrally formed between a first end and a second end. The elongated main body includes a plurality of apertures formed in at least one section of the elongated main body that corresponds to at least one curvilinear point around a guide roller when the tape drive is in the unloaded condition. The apertures increase the flexibility of the takeup leader to prevent tape drives from realizing erratic behavior caused by a deformed takeup leader. The increased flexibility permits the tape drive to pull a deformed takeup leader through a curvilinear tape path with a substantially smooth motion.