Ink ribbon cartridge with expandable sideplates

摘要

An ink cartridge has a pair of sideplates (14, 16) which connect a first portion (10) of the housing to a second portion (12). The sideplates expand to allow spindles (70, 72, 90, 92) and spools (50, 60) to be installed within openings of the housing. The sideplates are spaced apart and are generally parallel to each other. The sideplates are pulled in opposing directions from a first dimension between the sideplates to a second dimension slightly greater than the first dimension.