Printing ribbon cassette and method of assembly thereof

Abstract

A continuous or endless loop printing ribbon cassette generally including a printing ribbon cassette body, a printing ribbon cassette nose clip member, and a continuous or endless loop inked printing ribbon. The printing ribbon cassette body includes a continuous or endless loop inked printing ribbon storage area, an outlet port, and an inlet port. The printing ribbon cassette nose clip member is positioned between the outlet port and the inlet port and locates continuous or endless loop inked printing ribbon in proper orientation relative to the interface between the print head and the printing medium. A nose clip modification insert is provided which, when assembled to the printing ribbon cassette nose clip member, closes a preexisting opening in the printing ribbon cassette nose clip member and extends an outer surface of the printing ribbon cassette nose clip member an additional distance sufficient to protect or prevent continuous or endless loop inked printing ribbon from being wrinkled or caught between the printing medium and the print head upon insertion of the printing medium into the printing equipment. In addition, a modified spring tensioner provides increased tension on continuous or endless loop inked printing ribbon prior to its exit from the outlet port. Furthermore, the printing ribbon cassette base and the printing ribbon cassette cover are rigidly connected to prevent the escape of continuous or endless loop inked printing ribbon from the printing ribbon cassette due to separation of the printing ribbon cassette base from the print ribbon cassette cover.