Binding tape dealing apparatus for paper bundle binding apparatus

An apparatus for dispensing a binding tape and for wrapping the binder tape around a bundle of stacked paper sheets, thereby binding the bundle, said apparatus comprising:

• stationary supporting means for supporting a bundle of paper sheets at a binding position, said supporting means including a pair of supporting members separated by a gap, such that a bundle of paper sheets rests on said pair of supporting members and spans said gap;
• divider means including an integral knife edge portion for dividing the bundle of paper sheets into two separate layers, said divider means being movable between an inoperative position spaced from the bundle of paper sheets supported on said supportinng means and an operative position whereat said knife edge portion extends into the bundle of paper sheets, said divider means having integrally and fixedly attached thereto tape guide means;
• tape feed means for feeding a binding tape along a tape feeding path to said tape guide means when said divider means is in said operative position thereof, and for feeding the leading end of said tape into the space between the two separate layers of the bundle of paper sheets, whereafter said divider means moves to said inoperative position thereof, such that said leading end of said tape is inserted within the bundle of paper sheets;
• a rotatable annular flyer body positioned to surround said stationary supporting means and the bundle of paper sheets supported thereon;
• means, on said flyer body, for selectively grasping said tape after said leading end of said tape is inserted within said bundle of paper sheets, said grasping means comprising a first guide roller fixedly positioned on said flyer body and a second guide roller mounted to be selectively movable circumferentially of said flyer body between a first position toward said first guide roller to nip said tape between said first and second guide rollers and a second position spaced from said first guide roller, said divider and tape guide extending in their operative position between said guide rollers in their second position to guide said tape between said rollers;
• means for rotating said flyer body, while said tape is nipped between said first and second guide rollers, and for thereby wrapping said tape around the bundle of paper sheets through said gap in said supporting means a predetermined number of times;
• cutter means for cutting said tape at a position between said tape feed means and said flyer body;
• first spring and cam means for causing said cutter means to cut said tape after said tape has been wrapped said predetermined number of times around the bundle of paper sheets, after which time said second guide roller moves to said second position thereof;
• pivotally mounted pressing lever means for pressing a portion of said tape adjacent the free cut end thereof against a lateral side of the bundle of paper sheets, to thereby prevent said tape from becoming loosened;
• and
• second spring and cam means for controlling pivotal movement of said pressing lever means.