A docking apparatus and method is used in a read / write recording
assembly (10) and includes a bay structure, such as a sub-frame (50), adapted to receive a tape
cartridge (18) The sub-frame (50) is disclosed to pivot relative to the
assembly's main frame. A pawl element (78) is controlled by a
cam assembly (40) in a first mode so as to move from an advanced position to a withdrawn position thereby to move the
cartridge (18) from a received / extended position to a received / retracted position. The
cam assembly (40) also mounts the
cartridge (18), for example, by pivoting the sub-frame (50) relative to the main frame. Driving the
cam assembly (40) in a second mode reverses this operation. The cam assembly (40) may use a single rotatable cam element (72) to accomplish the loading and mounting of the cartridge (18), and a suitable drive actuates the cam assembly (40).