Binding apparatus for binding a bundle of lables or the like

A binding apparatus comprising:

• a frame;
• first and second arms each having a first end which is pivotally mounted at a pivot point on said frame so as to be pivotal about first and second axes respectively, a respective moment about said first and second axes of each of said arms due to the weight thereof tending to move second ends of said arms, which are opposite said first ends, away from each other when said arms are in a closed position at which said second ends of said arms are proximate each other;
• a gear mechanism operatively coupled to said arms so as to interlock said arms with each other so that said arms pivot in opposite directions at the same speed;
• first and second hooks respectively provided on each of said second ends of said arms between which a rubber band, having a mushroom-shaped latch attached thereto, is spanned, a linear length of said rubber band being shorter than a circumference of a bundle of cable to be bound, a first distance between said first hook and said first pivotal axis being longer than a second distance between said second hook and said second pivotal axis;
• a cylinder, provided on said first arm and having a rod slidably mounted therein, when said arms pivot into said closed position said cylinder moves said rod so as to cause a push member, which is mounted on an end of said rod, to push a portion of said rubber band so that said portion of said rubber band hooked by said first hook is moved toward said second hook;
• a maintaining device coupled to said gear mechanism so as to keep said arms in an open position wherein said second ends are remote from one another;
• and
• a releasing device coupled to said maintaining device so as to release said maintaining device.