Composite label arranging device

A label arranging device for use in a label printing and applying machine of the type which includes feed means for advancing a label strip along a feed path, the feed means including feed pins for engaging and raising up feed flaps formed on the label strip, a platen positioned along the feed path downstream from a position at which the feed pins engage the feed flaps, the platen being adapted to support a label of said label strip located at a printing position, a label printing device, including a type opposable to the platen, for engaging and imprinting a label located at the printing position, and a printing lever supporting the printing device, the platen and printing lever being movable relative to one another to permit the type to be moved to the platen and then separated therefrom, the label arranging device comprising:

• a groove formed in the platen at an arranging position upstream of the printing position and corresponding to the location of one of the feed flaps when one of the labels of the label strip is located at the printing position;
• a label arranging member movable between a first position wherein it is remote from said groove and a second position wherein it is located in said groove such that the label arranging member pushes the feed flap located at the arranging position into the groove and below the plane of the label strip in the area of the groove, the label arranging arranging member being moved from the first to the second position in response to the relative movement of the platen and the printing lever.