Ribbon supply and printing apparatus with a flexible ribbon leader, and method of forming such a flexible ribbon leader.

摘要

A flexible leader (200) is designed to convey an ink ribbon (20) from a ribbon cartridge (28) to a print point (14) of a printing machine or typewriter. Preferably, the leader (200) is formed as an integral member having discontinuities therein defining bending points at wich said leader is flexible. The leader is preferably flexible in only one direction, whereby the inked surface of a typing ribbon is never in contact with said leader, thus preserving its integrity.