Automatic paper feeding apparatus

An automatic paper feeding apparatus having an automatic paper loading feature, said paper feeding apparatus comprising:

• a supporting member;
• a holder device disposed on the supporting member, the holder device including a pair of supporting cylindrical rollers disposed on the supporting member in a spaced, parallel relationship, the holder device being configured to support a roll of paper by engaging an outer periphery of the roll of paper;
• a feeder device disposed on the supporting member below the holder device, the feeder device including a pair of engaged cylindrical rollers configured to grip paper between the cylindrical rollers and to feed the paper when the rollers are driven;
• a feeder motor interconnected to the feeder device, the feeder motor driving the pair of engaged cylindrical rollers when activated;
• a cutter device disposed on the supporting member below the feeder device, the cutter device including a stationary blade and movable blade movable relative to the stationary blade, the cutter device being configured to cut the paper;
• and
• a cover pivotally disposed on the supporting member, the cover and the supporting member defining a receptacle for the roll of paper, wherein access to the receptacle is provided when the cover is pivoted to an open position, the cover including a roller rollably disposed on an end of the cover such that the cover roller engages one of the pair of engaged cylindrical rollers when the cover is pivoted to a closed position,
• wherein the paper feeding apparatus provides automatic paper loading when a lead end of the roll of paper supported on the holder device is draped over the feeder device and the cover is pivoted to the closed position such that the cover roller engages the feeder device thereby gripping the lead end of the roll of paper between the cover roller and the feeder device, wherein the engagement of the cover roller onto the lead end of the roll of paper keeps the lead end of the roll of paper in contact with the feeder device and allows the feeder device to draw the lead end of the roll of paper into the feeder device when the feeder motor activates the feeder device.