Self-threading leader for tape roll

Claim 2

In combination with a roll of recording tape adapted for threading onto the hub of a take-up spindle, a leader having a flexible body with a trailing end fastened to the outermost end of the tape, said leader having a length corresponding to the circumferential dimension of the hub so as to form a layer of constant thickness about the entire hub when attached thereto, and flange means integral with and extending from both edges of the side of said leader body arranged to contact the hub, said flange means being spaced width-wise of said leader by an amount corresponding to the peripheral thickness of the hub and at least one of said flange means being flexible sufficiently that said flange means will grip around the rim of the hub when pressed against it.

Claim 3

A leader for a roll of tape as defined in claim 1, wherein said one of said flange means comprises a plurality of independently flexible teeth each individually capable of gripping the hub rim.

Claim 4

A leader as defined in claim 2, wherein both said flange means are comprised of a plurality of independently flexible teeth.

Claim 5

A leader as defined in claim 1, wherein said flange means extend outwardly from said leader body by a distance sufficient to embrace several of the outermost layers of the tape when said leader is wound about the roll to which it is attached.

Claim 6

A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said leader includes a recess in its trailing edge having a depth equal to the thickness of the tape and having the end of the tape located in said recess and fastened to the leader over a substantial portion of the recess.

Claim 7

A combination as defined in claim 5, wherein said leader has a tapered ramp portion formed on that side of its leading end opposite from said teeth to guide tape wound over said leader smoothly across the adjacent ends of the leader wound on the hub.

Claim 8

A combination as defined in claim 1, including flanges on the roll extending along opposite sides of the tape layers, the outer surfaces of said flanges being spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing between said leader flange means, whereby said leader wiLl extend about and grip the edges of said flanges when the roll is fully wound.

Claim 9

In a self-threading transport system for recording tape, the combination of a supply spindle and a take-up spindle mounted in spaced relation, a supply roll carried on said supply spindle having a length of recording tape thereon including a leader extending from the outermost end of tape, said leader having flexible flange means extending therefrom and engaged about the outermost layers of tape on said supply roll to hold the same in a rolled condition, said take-up spindle including a take-up hub having a rim with a thickness corresponding to the width of the leader between its said flange means for gripping by said leader, said leader being of a length equal to the circumference of said take-up hub, and means for stripping said leader from said supply roll and guiding said leader into contact with said take-up hub whereby said flexible flange means automatically will grip the rim of said take-up hub.

Claim 10

In a self-threading transport system for recording tape, the combination of a supply spindle and a take-up spindle mounted in spaced relation, a supply roll carried on said supply spindle having a length of recording tape thereon including a leader extending from the outermost end of tape, said leader having flexible flange means extending therefrom and engaged about the outermost layers of tape on said supply roll to hold the same in a rolled condition, said take-up spindle including a take-up hub having a rim with a thickness corresponding to the width of the leader between its said flange means for gripping by said leader, said leader being of a length equal to the circumference of said take-up hub, and means for stripping said leader from said supply roll and guiding said leader into contact with said take-up hub whereby said flexible flange means automatically will grip the rim of said take-up hub.

Claim 11

A self-threading system as defined in claim 8, wherein said take-up hub includes a recess formed around at least one side of said rim to receive a portion of said flange means.

Claim 12

A self-threading system as defined in claim 8, wherein at least one of said flange means comprises a plurality of independently flexible teeth each individually capable of gripping said outer layers of tape or said rim.

Claim 13

A pliable tape record medium adapted to be coiled to form a roll thereof, said record medium comprising an information record portion and a leader portion, said leader portion being formed to include, as a continuously attached portion thereof, gripping means carried along the leader portion in position for engaging portions of the side edges of convolutions of the roll of tape to retain the outermost convolution of the roll in its coiled position.

Claim 14

A pliable tape record medium adapted to be coiled to form a roll thereof, said record medium comprising an information record portion and a leader portion, said leader portion being formed to include, as a continuously attached portion thereof, gripping means carried along the leader portion in position for engaging portions of the side edges of convolutions of the roll of tape to retain the outermost convolution of the roll in its coiled position.