Printer frame assembly and method of assembly

Claim 1

A printer frame assembly comprising: a base member having first and second flexure latches; said flexure latches each having a locking surface included therein; first and second side frame members each having a front end and a rear end including locking surfaces at the front end of each said side frame member for engaging said locking surfaces of said flexure latches to latch and secure said side frame members to said base members; resilient location urging means positioned between said base member and each of said side frame members, urging and maintaining each of said front locking surfaces into secure engagement with said locking surfaces of said flexure latches; first and second locating receptacles, having at least a top wall and rear wall, each one adapted to receive, position and secure the rear end of each of said side frame members; said flexure latches and said front lock means of said side members, each including complementary angled surfaces which allow said side frame members to be press fit into the position of secure engagement with said base member by restricting movement of said side frame members by the co-action between said locating receptacles and said flexure latches; the distance from the rear end of each of said side frame members to the extremity of said angled surface of said respective side frame member being greater than the distance between the rear wall of said locating receptacle and the locking surface of said flexure latch, creating a front to back flexural force between each said flexure latch and the respective front end of said side frame member, urging and maintaining each said side frame member against the rear wall of the respective said locating receptacle, increasing the rigidity and precise alignment of the printer frame.