Strap-tensioning and severing tool

Claim 2

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioniNg the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, linkage operatively connected to said gripper and said blade, an actuator operatively connected to said linkage, said linkage having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator through said linkage is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in a strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein force exerted by said actuator through said linkage is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, and restraining means for holding said linkage in said strap-tensioning mode until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of the strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said linkage is shifted into said strapsevering mode thereof, means mounting said actuator for movement thereof between a rest position and a fully-actuated position along a predetermined regular path with respect to said abutment, the predetermined path of travel of said actuator during said strap-tensioning mode of said linkage being identical to the predetermined path of travel of said actuator during said strapsevering mode of said linkage thereby to provide a single predetermined path of travel for said actuator between said rest position and said fully actuated position thereof, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to shift said linkage from the straptensioning mode thereof to the strap-severing mode thereof to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 3

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 1, wherein the predetermined path of said actuator from said rest position to said fully-actuated position is a pivotal path about a point fixed with respect to said abutment.

Claim 4

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 1, wherein said restraining means is adjustable so as to adjust the predetermined tension in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon causing actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap.

Claim 5

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 1, and further comprising releasable interconnecting means between said linkage and said restraining means, said releasable interconnecting means being responsive to the predetermined tension in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon effectively to disconnect said restraining means from said linkage to shift said linkage into said strap-severing mode.

Claim 6

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said abutment and said gripper for movement relative to each other in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, a common linkage interconnecting said gripper and said blade, a manually operable actuator operatively connected to said linkage for applying actuating forces thereto at a common point therebetween, and restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thEreafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 7

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said abutment and said gripper for movement relative to each other in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, a common linkage interconnecting said gripper and said blade, a manually operable actuator operatively connected to said linkage for applying actuating forces thereto at a common point therebetween, and restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thEreafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 8

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 5, wherein said common point for applying actuating forces between said linkage and said actuator is fixed with respect to said actuator.

Claim 9

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 5, wherein said common point for applying actuating forces between said linkage and said actuator is fixed with respect to said linkage.

Claim 10

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 5, wherein said common point for applying actuating forces between said linkage and said actuator is fixed with respect to both said linkage and said actuator.

Claim 11

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said abutment and said gripper for movement relative to each other in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, a manually-operable actuator, a linkage, a first drive train interconnecting said linkage and said gripper, a second drive train interconnecting said linkage and said blade, a third drive train interconnecting said linkage and said actuator, the force for operating said gripper being exerted from said actuator through said third drive train and said linkage and said first drive train to said gripper, the force for operating said blade being exerted from said actuator through said third drive train and said linkage and said second drive train to said blade, restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 12

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said abutment and said gripper for movement relative to each other in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, a manually-operable actuator, a linkage, a first drive train interconnecting said linkage and said gripper, a second drive train interconnecting said linkage and said blade, a third drive train interconnecting said linkage and said actuator, the force for operating said gripper being exerted from said actuator through said third drive train and said linkage and said first drive train to said gripper, the force for operating said blade being exerted from said actuator through said third drive train and said linkage and said second drive train to said blade, restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 13

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a frame, an abutment on said frame for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper on said frame for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, said gripper being mounted for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a link operatively connected to said gripper, an actuator operatively connected to said link for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said link for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, and restraining means operatively connected to said link for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, the connection between said link and said actuator being at a fixed point on said link, the connection between said link and said gripper being at a fixed point on said link, the connection between said link and said blade being at a fixed point on said link, the connection between said link and said restraining means being at a fixed point on said link, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 14

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a frame, an abutment on said frame for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper on said frame for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, said gripper being mounted for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a link operatively connected to said gripper, an actuator operatively connected to said link for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said link for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, and restraining means operatively connected to said link for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, the connection between said link and said actuator being at a fixed point on said link, the connection between said link and said gripper being at a fixed point on said link, the connection between said link and said blade being at a fixed point on said link, the connection between said link and said restraining means being at a fixed point on said link, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 15

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 10, wherein said gripper moves with respect to said abutment along a rectilinear path.

Claim 16

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a frame, an abutment on said frame for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper on said frame for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a first pin carried by said frame at a fixed point thereon, and a first link pivotally mounted on said first pin, a second pin carried by said first link at a fixed point thereon, and a second link pivotally mounted at one point thereof on said second pin and operatively connected at another point thereof to said gripper, an actuator pivotally mounted at one point thereof on said frame and operatively connected at another point thereof to said second link for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said first link for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, and restraining means operatively connected to said first link for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, the connection between said second link and said actuator being at a fixed point on said second link, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 17

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a frame, an abutment on said frame for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper on said frame for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a first pin carried by said frame at a fixed point thereon, and a first link pivotally mounted on said first pin, a second pin carried by said first link at a fixed point thereon, and a second link pivotally mounted at one point thereof on said second pin and operatively connected at another point thereof to said gripper, an actuator pivotally mounted at one point thereof on said frame and operatively connected at another point thereof to said second link for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said first link for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, and restraining means operatively connected to said first link for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, the connection between said second link and said actuator being at a fixed point on said second link, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 18

The strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 12, wherein said second link is pivotally mounted adjacent to one end thereof on said second pin, said second link is operatively connected adjacent to the other end thereof to said gripper, and said second link is operatively connected adjacent to a point intermediate said ends to said actuator.

Claim 19

The strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 12, wherein said actuator is pivotally mounted on said first pin.

Claim 20

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 12, and further comprising a third link having one end thereof operatively connected to said second link at said fixed point on said second link, said third link having the other end thereof operatively connected to said actuator.

Claim 21

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 12, and further comprising a tensioning rod carrying said gripper and operatively connected to said second link at said other point thereof.

Claim 22

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a frame, an abutment on said frame for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper on said frame for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a first pin carried by said frame at a fixed point thereon, a first link pivotally mounted on said first pin, a second pin carried by said first link at a fixed point thereon, and a second link pivotally mounted at one point thereof on said second pin and operatively connected at another point thereof to said gripper, an actuator pivotally mounted at one point Thereof on said frame and operatively connected at another point thereof to said second link for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said first link for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, the connection between said second link and said actuator being at a fixed point on said second link, the length of the effective lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said gripper being fixed, the length of the effective lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said second pin being fixed, a roller on said first link, a detent pivotally mounted on said frame and having a recess therein, said detent being pivotal between a first position wherein said roller is seated in said recess to prevent movement of said blade and a second position wherein said roller is positioned out of said recess to permit strap-severing movement of said blade, and restraining means holding said detent in said first position thereof until a predetermined tension is produced in the length of strap between the first and second points thereof whereupon said detent is moved to the second position thereof to permit movement of said roller from said recess and subsequent strap-severing movement of said blade.

Claim 23

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a frame, an abutment on said frame for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper on said frame for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a first pin carried by said frame at a fixed point thereon, a first link pivotally mounted on said first pin, a second pin carried by said first link at a fixed point thereon, and a second link pivotally mounted at one point thereof on said second pin and operatively connected at another point thereof to said gripper, an actuator pivotally mounted at one point Thereof on said frame and operatively connected at another point thereof to said second link for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said first link for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, the connection between said second link and said actuator being at a fixed point on said second link, the length of the effective lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said gripper being fixed, the length of the effective lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said second pin being fixed, a roller on said first link, a detent pivotally mounted on said frame and having a recess therein, said detent being pivotal between a first position wherein said roller is seated in said recess to prevent movement of said blade and a second position wherein said roller is positioned out of said recess to permit strap-severing movement of said blade, and restraining means holding said detent in said first position thereof until a predetermined tension is produced in the length of strap between the first and second points thereof whereupon said detent is moved to the second position thereof to permit movement of said roller from said recess and subsequent strap-severing movement of said blade.

Claim 24

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a gun-shaped housing including a handle portion and a forwardly-projecting barrel portion, a manually-operable actuator mounted on said housing and movable toward and away from said handle portion, a spring operatively connected between said actuator and said housing and biased to urge said actuator away from said handle portion, an abutment on said barrel portion adjacent to the forward end thereof for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper on said barrel portion for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade on said housing for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, a common linkage interconnecting said gripper and said blade, said actuator being operatively connected to said linkage for applying forces thereto at a common point therebetween, and restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto and being independent of the force exerted by said spring.

Claim 25

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a gun-shaped housing including a handle portion and a forwardly-projecting barrel portion, a manually-operable actuator mounted on said housing and movable toward and away from said handle portion, a spring operatively connected between said actuator and said housing and biased to urge said actuator away from said handle portion, an abutment on said barrel portion adjacent to the forward end thereof for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper on said barrel portion for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade on said housing for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, a common linkage interconnecting said gripper and said blade, said actuator being operatively connected to said linkage for applying forces thereto at a common point therebetween, and restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto and being independent of the force exerted by said spring.

Claim 26

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism haviNg a first condition for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, and restraining means for holding said detent mechanism in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said detent mechanism is actuated into the second condition thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming said restraining means and a portion of the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 27

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism haviNg a first condition for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, and restraining means for holding said detent mechanism in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said detent mechanism is actuated into the second condition thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming said restraining means and a portion of the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 28

The binder strap tensioning and severing tool set forth in claim 19, wherein said detent mechanism includes two members, a roller on one of said members, the other of said members having a recess therein for receiving said roller, said detent mechanism being in said first condition when said roller is disposed in said recess and said detent mechanism being in said second condition when said roller is disposed out of said recess.

Claim 29

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism having a first condition for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, and spring biased restraining means for holding said detent mechanism in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in a length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said detent mechanism is actuated into the second condition thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming said restraining means and a portion of the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 30

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism having a first condition for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, and spring biased restraining means for holding said detent mechanism in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in a length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said detent mechanism is actuated into the second condition thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming said restraining means and a portion of the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 31

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism including a movable armature and a magnet, said movable armature being operatively connected to said actuator and having a first condition for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, said magnet holding said Armature in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said armature is moved into the second condition thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming said magnet and a portion of the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 32

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism including a movable armature and a magnet, said movable armature being operatively connected to said actuator and having a first condition for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, said magnet holding said Armature in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said armature is moved into the second condition thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming said magnet and a portion of the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 33

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism including a piston in a cylinder having a valve therefor, said piston being operatively connected to said actuator and having a first position for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second position for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, said cylinder carrying said piston and having the pressure therein reduced in response to movement of said actuator to hold said piston in said first position thereof until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereof, and said valve on said cylinder accommodating passage of air into said cylinder into the area of reduced pressure therein to hold said tool in said strap-tensioning mode until the predetermined tension is reached whereupon said tool is moved into said strap-severing mode thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming the action of said piston in said cylinder and a portion of force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 34

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, an actuator operatively connected both to said gripper and to said blade, said tool having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein a portion of the force exerted by said actuator is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent mechanism including a piston in a cylinder having a valve therefor, said piston being operatively connected to said actuator and having a first position for placing said tool in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second position for placing said tool in the strap-severing mode thereof, said cylinder carrying said piston and having the pressure therein reduced in response to movement of said actuator to hold said piston in said first position thereof until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereof, and said valve on said cylinder accommodating passage of air into said cylinder into the area of reduced pressure therein to hold said tool in said strap-tensioning mode until the predetermined tension is reached whereupon said tool is moved into said strap-severing mode thereof, whereby the force exerted by said actuator in the strap-tensioning mode is utilized substantially in strap-tensioning and in overcoming the action of said piston in said cylinder and a portion of force exerted by said actuator in the strap-severing mode is utilized to cause severing movement of said blade.

Claim 35

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means for mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, linkage operatively connected to said gripper and said blade, an actuator operatively connected to said linkage, said linkage having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator through said linkage is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in a strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein force exerted by said actuator through said linkage is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent having a first condition for placing said linkage in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said linkage in the strap-severing mode thereof, restraining means for holding said detent in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said detent is moved into the second condition thereof, and means mounting said actuator for movement thereof between a rest position and a fully-actuated position along a predetermined regular path with respect to said abutment, the predetermined path of travel of said actuator during said strap-tensioning mode of said linkage being identical to the predetermined path of travel of said actuator during said strap-severing mode of said linkage thereby to provide a single predetermined path of travel for said actuator between said rest position and said fully actuated position thereof, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to shift said linkage from the strap-tensioning mode thereof to the strap-severing mode thereof to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 36

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, means for mounting said gripper for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a blade for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, linkage operatively connected to said gripper and said blade, an actuator operatively connected to said linkage, said linkage having a strap-tensioning mode wherein the force exerted by said actuator through said linkage is applied to said gripper for moving said gripper in a strap-tensioning direction and having a strap-severing mode wherein force exerted by said actuator through said linkage is applied to said blade for moving said blade in a strap-severing direction, a detent having a first condition for placing said linkage in the strap-tensioning mode thereof and having a second condition for placing said linkage in the strap-severing mode thereof, restraining means for holding said detent in said first condition until a predetermined tension is reached in the length of strap between the first and second points thereon whereupon said detent is moved into the second condition thereof, and means mounting said actuator for movement thereof between a rest position and a fully-actuated position along a predetermined regular path with respect to said abutment, the predetermined path of travel of said actuator during said strap-tensioning mode of said linkage being identical to the predetermined path of travel of said actuator during said strap-severing mode of said linkage thereby to provide a single predetermined path of travel for said actuator between said rest position and said fully actuated position thereof, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to shift said linkage from the strap-tensioning mode thereof to the strap-severing mode thereof to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 37

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a hollow housing, an abutment on said housing for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper shiftably mounted on said housing for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, mechanism for moving said gripper relative to said abutment in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, an actuator mounted on said housing and operatively connected to said mechanism for operating said mechanism in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade shiftably mounted on said housing and operatively connected to said actuator for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, adjustable restraining means mounted in said housing and operatively connected to said blade for controlling the movement thereof, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, means for adjusting the restraining force exerted by said restraining means on said blade, said housing having a window therein and being provided with a first index marker adjacent to said window, a plate slidably mounted within said housing in position to close and to seal said window and having a second index marker thereon viewable through said window and cooperating with said first index marker, and means interconnecting said restraining means and said plate to cause movement of said plate in response to adjustment of said adjustment means, whereby the position of said plate and thereby the cooperation between said index markers provides a visual indication of the force exerted by said restraining means while sealing the window in said housing.

Claim 38

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a hollow housing, an abutment on said housing for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper shiftably mounted on said housing for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, mechanism for moving said gripper relative to said abutment in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, an actuator mounted on said housing and operatively connected to said mechanism for operating said mechanism in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade shiftably mounted on said housing and operatively connected to said actuator for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, adjustable restraining means mounted in said housing and operatively connected to said blade for controlling the movement thereof, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, means for adjusting the restraining force exerted by said restraining means on said blade, said housing having a window therein and being provided with a first index marker adjacent to said window, a plate slidably mounted within said housing in position to close and to seal said window and having a second index marker thereon viewable through said window and cooperating with said first index marker, and means interconnecting said restraining means and said plate to cause movement of said plate in response to adjustment of said adjustment means, whereby the position of said plate and thereby the cooperation between said index markers provides a visual indication of the force exerted by said restraining means while sealing the window in said housing.

Claim 39

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a gun-shaped housing including a hand grip portion, a forwardly extending frame carried by said housing, and a deflecting surface carried by said housing and extending rearwardly and upwardly with respect to said hand grip portion, an abutment on the outer end of said frame for engaging the binder strap at a first point thereon and accommodating the passage of the free end of the binder strap therepast, a gripper shiftably mounted on said frame for engaging the binder strap at a point thereon and accommodating the passage of the free end of the binder strap therethrough and along a predetermined path adjacent to said frame and along said deflecting surface and upwardly and outwardly over the upper end of said housing, mechanism for moving said gripper relative to said abutment in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon and to feed the free end of the binder strap along the predetermined path, an actuator mounted on said housing and operatively connected to said mechanism for operating said mechanism in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade shiftably mounted on said frame, an elongated arm mounted on said frame and extending longitudinally thereof and operatively connected both to said bLade and to said actuator, whereby operation of said actuator causes operation of said mechanism in the strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon and to feed the free end of the binder strap along the predetermined path and across said deflecting surface and thereafter operating said blade via said arm to effect severing of the binder strap without interfering with the passage of the free end of the binder strap along the predetermined path therefor.

Claim 40

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising a gun-shaped housing including a hand grip portion, a forwardly extending frame carried by said housing, and a deflecting surface carried by said housing and extending rearwardly and upwardly with respect to said hand grip portion, an abutment on the outer end of said frame for engaging the binder strap at a first point thereon and accommodating the passage of the free end of the binder strap therepast, a gripper shiftably mounted on said frame for engaging the binder strap at a point thereon and accommodating the passage of the free end of the binder strap therethrough and along a predetermined path adjacent to said frame and along said deflecting surface and upwardly and outwardly over the upper end of said housing, mechanism for moving said gripper relative to said abutment in a strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon and to feed the free end of the binder strap along the predetermined path, an actuator mounted on said housing and operatively connected to said mechanism for operating said mechanism in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade shiftably mounted on said frame, an elongated arm mounted on said frame and extending longitudinally thereof and operatively connected both to said bLade and to said actuator, whereby operation of said actuator causes operation of said mechanism in the strap-tensioning direction to tension the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon and to feed the free end of the binder strap along the predetermined path and across said deflecting surface and thereafter operating said blade via said arm to effect severing of the binder strap without interfering with the passage of the free end of the binder strap along the predetermined path therefor.

Claim 41

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, said gripper being mounted for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a linkage operatively connected to said gripper, manually operable actuator operatively connected to said linkage for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said linkage for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, and restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, the connection between said linkage and said actuator being at a fixed point on said linkage, the effective length of the lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said gripper being fixed, the effective length of the lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said restraining means being fixed, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.

Claim 42

A binder strap tensioning and severing tool comprising an abutment for engaging a binder strap at a first point thereon, a gripper for engaging the binder strap at a second point thereon, said gripper being mounted for movement in a strap-tensioning direction with respect to said abutment for tensioning the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon, a linkage operatively connected to said gripper, manually operable actuator operatively connected to said linkage for moving said gripper in the strap-tensioning direction, a blade operatively connected to said linkage for severing the strap along the portion thereof between the first and second points thereon, and restraining means operatively connected to said linkage for controlling the movement thereof to effect operation of said blade, said restraining means preventing actuation of said blade in response to movement of said actuator until said restraining means has been overcome, the connection between said linkage and said actuator being at a fixed point on said linkage, the effective length of the lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said gripper being fixed, the effective length of the lever arm for applying forces between said fixed point and said restraining means being fixed, whereby said restraining means is overcome when a predetermined tension is produced in the portion of the strap between the first and second points thereon thereafter to cause actuation of said blade to effect severing of the strap, said predetermined tension being independent of the point at which the operator manually engages said actuator to apply the operating forces thereto.