Patent ID: 8348261

Claim:
A paper inverting apparatus that inverts the front and back of paper by transporting the paper through a paper inverting path that inverts the front and back of the paper, the apparatus comprising: an extending and contracting mechanism that extends and contracts the path length of a circulation path of which the paper inverting path is configured, wherein the extending and contracting mechanism includes a first guide member and a second guide member that form the circulation path, the first guide member and the second guide member being supported so as to be capable of displacement such that the first guide member and the second guide member form a continuous paper guide surface by part of the first guide member and part of the second guide member engaging with each other in an intersecting state at a point of engagement, wherein the part of the first guide member and the part of the second guide member that engage with each other at the point of engagement are part of the continuous paper guide surface such that the paper is able to be transported across the point of engagement, the first guide member, and the second guide member at the same time.