Illuminated ribbon shield

A time clock for indicating time on a time card, the clock comprising:

• a. a base;
• b. a clock attached to the base;
• c. a printer platen for resting the time card on the printer platen when time indicia is being indicated on the time card;
• d. a printing mechanism for indicating time indicia on the time card, the mechanism traverseable between a print position and an idle position, the mechanism impressing time indicia on the card while in the print position and allowing the time card to be interpositioned between the printer platen and the mechanism while in the idle position;
• and
• e. a ribbon shield for aiding an employee in aligning the time card to a printing mechanism target area, the ribbon shield comprising:
• i. a body portion defining a lower surface to guide the time card thereunder and a cut out for allowing a print head and ribbon of the printing mechanism to traverse through the cut out and indicate a time onto the time card under the lower surface;
• ii. a light source incorporated into the body portion for illuminating the time card under the lower surface.