Abstract: An improved recording cartridge contains a flexible magnetic recording disc. The lower interior major surface of the cartridge provides a smoothing plane for the flexible magnetic recording disc positioned inside the cartridge to allow the disc to rise slightly above the lower interior major surface on a cushion of air while the disc is in rotation. To enhance the stability of the disc and to make the disc conform more readily to the shape of the magnetic head transducer, the lower interior major surface includes a raised portion thereon. This raised portion gives the disc added rigidity and prevents it from flying away from the head during head penetrations and horizontal movement. The remainder of the smoothing plane surface is relatively flat, thereby permitting a thin cartridge configuration to be used.

Abstract: A flexible disc is provided for the recording and playback of information on a recording surface thereof. The disc is contained within a cartridge housing which protects the recording surface. At least one opening is provided in the disc which engages with at least one pin member of a drive hub, the drive hub providing rotation to the disc. The outer perimeter of the opening in the disc is larger than the outer perimeter of the pin member so that the disc is free to move laterally along the pin. At least one surface of the cartridge housing acts as a smoothing plane; rotation of the disc causes the disc to rise above such surface creating an air cushion between the disc and surface. An opening is provided in the cartridge housing for receiving a recording and/or playback head; the head is moveable within such opening so that it may be selectively indexed to read and/or write information on a plurality of tracks as the disc rotates within the cartridge.