Ribbon drive apparatus

Abstract

A ribbon drive apparatus 10 includes a main body (12, Fig.1A), a ribbon support 30, and a motor, such that the apparatus is operable to transport a length of ribbon from / to the ribbon support. The ribbon support includes a base 32, which is rotatable relative to the main body, and a plurality of support members 34, which are connected to and project from the base. One or more of the plurality of support members is connected to the base by a movement mechanism 40 that permits the support member(s) to move towards and away from one or more of the other support members. The support members include an elongate portion. The support members may engage an internal surface of a ribbon 20 when in an outermost position and one or more of the support members release engagement with the internal surface of the ribbon when moved inwards / towards each other. The movement mechanism may include a channel defined by the base, which defines a movement path of a support member. Figure 2