Single-reel tape cartridge with leader locking mechanism

摘要

A single-reel tape cartridge cooperable with an operatively compatible tape drive including a tape catch member (H) includes a cartridge housing (1) having a tape window (4) defined therein and accommodating therein a single reel (2) with a roll of a length of magnetic recording tape (3) thereon. A leader pin (14) is secured to a free end of the magnetic tape (3) and engageable with the tape catch member (H) when the length of magnetic tape is to be drawn out of the cartridge housing and into the tape drive. A releasable locking mechanism for locking the leader pin (14) in a predetermined posture at a retracted position at which the leader pin is housed within the cartridge housing (1) and positioned adjacent the tape window (4) includes a pair of first locking members (19) and a second locking member (20) cooperable with each other to lock the leader pin (14) at a retracted position.