Ribbon spool locking apparatus

A locker comprising:

• a first stopping mechanism;
• a second stopping mechanism;
• a centrally located pivot;
• and
• a biasing element configured to apply a biasing force to the housing in a first direction;
• wherein:
• the biasing force rotates the first stopping mechanism in the first direction such that the first stopping mechanism engages with a spur gear, and
• when an external force is applied in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second stopping mechanism engages with the spur gear.

A method for preventing unspooling of a ribbon in a printer, the method comprising:

• when a printer lid is closed, preventing a ribbon spool from unwinding via a spool gear assembly, wherein the spool gear assembly comprises a spur gear;
• when the printer lid is opened, engaging a spur gear with a first pawl to prevent the ribbon spool from unwinding;
• and
• when the printer lid is in the open position and t the actuator is released, engaging a second pawl with the spur gear from a side opposite where the first pawl engages the spur gear.