Welded joint strapping machine

Claim 2

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion and for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap overlapping said free end portion thereof, two welding contact members respectively disposed on opposite sides of the overlapped portions of the strap wherein one of said welding contact members is disposed between the object and the strap and each movable respectively between a strap-passing position therefor and a welding position therefor, said welding contact members in the strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart and disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members, drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, and means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof when said welding contact members are in the welding positions thereof.

Claim 3

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism effects movement of said welding contact members between the strap passing positions and the welding positions thereof in directions substantially normal to the plane of the adjacent portion of the strap.

Claim 4

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism includes a fluid-actuated piston, and drive linkage coupling said piston to said welding contact members.

Claim 5

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism includes a fluid-actuated piston, and drive linkage coupling said piston to said welding contact members, said linkage being constructed and arranged for moving said contact members so that substantially equal forces are applied to the opposite sides of the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 6

The strapping machine set forth in claim 1, wherein the overlapping portions of the strap are disposed substantially horizontally, said welding contact members being respectively disposed above and below the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 7

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two guide members spaced apart a predetermined distance longitudinally of the strap and cooperating to define a joint-forming region therebetween, a strap gripper disposeD adjacent to one of said guide members out of said joint-forming region for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion, said strap gripper holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap disposed in said joint-forming region and with the supply portion of the strap extending across said guide members, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap extending across said guide members and overlapping the free end portion of the strap, two welding contact members respectively disposed on opposite sides of the overlapped portions of the strap wherein one of said two welding contact members is disposed between the object and the strap and each movable respectively between a strap-passing position therefor and a welding position therefor, said welding contact members in the strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart and disposal from between the object and the strap for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members, drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, and means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof.

Claim 8

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two guide members spaced apart a predetermined distance longitudinally of the strap and cooperating to define a joint-forming region therebetween, a strap gripper disposeD adjacent to one of said guide members out of said joint-forming region for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion, said strap gripper holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap disposed in said joint-forming region and with the supply portion of the strap extending across said guide members, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap extending across said guide members and overlapping the free end portion of the strap, two welding contact members respectively disposed on opposite sides of the overlapped portions of the strap wherein one of said two welding contact members is disposed between the object and the strap and each movable respectively between a strap-passing position therefor and a welding position therefor, said welding contact members in the strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart and disposal from between the object and the strap for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members, drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, and means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof.

Claim 9

The strapping machine set forth in claim 6, wherein said strap gripper cooperates with said one guide member for clamping the strap therebetween.

Claim 10

The strapping machine set forth in claim 6, wherein the free leading end of the strap terminates adjacent to the other of said guide members.

Claim 11

The strapping machine set forth in claim 6, wherein said welding contact members are disposed between said two guide members, said welding contact members in the welding positions thereof holding the overlapped portions of the strap together in said joint-forming region.

Claim 12

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two guide members spaced apart a predetermined distance longitudinally of the strap and cooperating to define a joint-forming region therebetween, a strap gripper disposed adjacent to one of said guide members out of said joint-forming region for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion, said strap gripper holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap disposed in said joint-forming region and with the supply portion of the strap extending across said guide members in overlapping relation with the free end portion of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap extending across said guide members and overlapping the free end portion of the strap, two welding contact members respectively disposed on opposite sides of the overlapped portions of the strap wherein one of said two welding contact members is disposed between the object and the strap and each movable respectively between a strap-passing position therefor and a welding position therefor, said welding contact members in the strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart and disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween said welding contact members in the welding positions thereof cooperating firmLy to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members, first drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strappassing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof to provide a welded strap loop, a shear blade movable between a retracted position out of contact with the strap and a shearing position for severing the supply portion of the strap from the welded strap loop, second drive mechanism coupled to said shear blade for effecting movement thereof between the retracted position and the shearing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second drive mechanisms and responsive to the tensioning of the strap to a predetermined tension for sequentially moving said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof for forming the welded joint and then returning said welding contact members to the strap-passing positions thereof and then moving said shear blade to the shearing position thereof to sever the supply portion of the strap, whereby the strap loop is first welded in the tensioned condition thereof and is subsequently severed from the supply portion of the strap.

Claim 13

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two guide members spaced apart a predetermined distance longitudinally of the strap and cooperating to define a joint-forming region therebetween, a strap gripper disposed adjacent to one of said guide members out of said joint-forming region for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion, said strap gripper holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap disposed in said joint-forming region and with the supply portion of the strap extending across said guide members in overlapping relation with the free end portion of the strap, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap extending across said guide members and overlapping the free end portion of the strap, two welding contact members respectively disposed on opposite sides of the overlapped portions of the strap wherein one of said two welding contact members is disposed between the object and the strap and each movable respectively between a strap-passing position therefor and a welding position therefor, said welding contact members in the strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart and disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween said welding contact members in the welding positions thereof cooperating firmLy to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members, first drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strappassing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof to provide a welded strap loop, a shear blade movable between a retracted position out of contact with the strap and a shearing position for severing the supply portion of the strap from the welded strap loop, second drive mechanism coupled to said shear blade for effecting movement thereof between the retracted position and the shearing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said first and second drive mechanisms and responsive to the tensioning of the strap to a predetermined tension for sequentially moving said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof for forming the welded joint and then returning said welding contact members to the strap-passing positions thereof and then moving said shear blade to the shearing position thereof to sever the supply portion of the strap, whereby the strap loop is first welded in the tensioned condition thereof and is subsequently severed from the supply portion of the strap.

Claim 14

The strapping machine set forth in claim 10, wherein said shear blade is disposed adjacent to said one guide member, said shear blade in the shearing position thereof cooperating with said one guide member for shearing the supply portion of the strap therebetween.

Claim 15

The strapping machine set forth in claim 10, wherein said two drive mechanisms comprise parts of a common drive assembly for effecting movement of both said shear blade and said welding contact members.

Claim 16

The strapping machine set forth in claim 10, and further including a fluid-actuated piston coupled to each of said two drive mechanisms and movable among a neutral condition and a welding condition and a shearing condition, said piston in the neutral condition thereof holding said welding contact members in the strap-passing positions thereof and said shear blade in the retracted position thereof, movement of said piston to the welding condition thereof effecting operation of said first drive mechanism for moving said welding contact members from the strap-passing positions thereof to the welding positions thereof, movement of said piston to the shearing condition thereof effecting operation of said second drive mechanism for moving said shear blade from the retracted position to the shearing position thereof.

Claim 17

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion and for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap overlapping said free end portion thereof, a pair of welding electrodes disposed on one side of the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, a shorting bar disposed on the other side of the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, said pair of welding electrodes and said shorting bar in the respective strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said pair of welding electrodes and said shorting bar in thE respective welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap with the overlapped portions of the strap therebetween, drive mechanism coupled to said welding electrodes and to said shorting bar for effecting simultaneous movement thereof between the respective strap-passing positions and welding positions thereof, movement of said welding electrodes and said shorting bar to the respective welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the tensioned reach thereof, and means coupling said welding electrodes to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the tensioned reach thereof.

Claim 18

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion and for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap overlapping said free end portion thereof, a pair of welding electrodes disposed on one side of the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, a shorting bar disposed on the other side of the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, said pair of welding electrodes and said shorting bar in the respective strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said pair of welding electrodes and said shorting bar in thE respective welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap with the overlapped portions of the strap therebetween, drive mechanism coupled to said welding electrodes and to said shorting bar for effecting simultaneous movement thereof between the respective strap-passing positions and welding positions thereof, movement of said welding electrodes and said shorting bar to the respective welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the tensioned reach thereof, and means coupling said welding electrodes to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the tensioned reach thereof.

Claim 19

The strapping machine set forth in claim 14, wherein said welding electrodes are disposed between the object and the overlapped portions of the strap and said shorting bar is disposed on the opposite side of the overlapped portion of the strap away from the object.

Claim 20

The strapping machine set forth in claim 14, wherein the planes of the overlapped portions of the strap are disposed substantially horizontally, said pair of welding electrodes being disposed beneath the overlapped portions of the strap between the strap and the object, said shorting bar being disposed above the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 21

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, welding means for forming a welded joint between the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a welding position and a releasing position, said welding means in the welding position thereof extending between the object and the strap and holding the overlapped portions of the strap in contact with each other for forming a welded joint therebetween, said welding means in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding means in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, and drive mechanism coupled to said welding means for effecting movement thereof between the welding position and the releasing position thereof, whereby said strapping machine accommodates ready release of the strapped object therefrom.

Claim 22

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, welding means for forming a welded joint between the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a welding position and a releasing position, said welding means in the welding position thereof extending between the object and the strap and holding the overlapped portions of the strap in contact with each other for forming a welded joint therebetween, said welding means in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding means in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, and drive mechanism coupled to said welding means for effecting movement thereof between the welding position and the releasing position thereof, whereby said strapping machine accommodates ready release of the strapped object therefrom.

Claim 23

The strapping machine set forth in claim 17, and further including means biasing said welding means toward the welding positions thereof, said drive mechanism effecting movement of said welding means to the releasing position thereof against the urging of said bias means.

Claim 24

The strapping machine set forth in claim 17, wherein the welded strap loop is removable from said welding means in directions both normal to and parallel to the plane of the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 25

The strapping machine set forth in claim 17, wherein the welded strap loop is removable from said welding means in either of two opposite directions laterally of the overlapped portions of the strap and in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 26

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a first welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap on the side thereof away from said object, a second welding contact member diSposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap and movable laterally thereof between a welding position and a releasing position, said second welding contact member in the welding position thereof extending between the object and the strap for cooperating with said first welding contact member for holding the overlapped portions of the strap in contact with each other to form a welded joint therebetween, said second welding contact member in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding contact members in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, and drive mechanism coupled to said second welding contact member for effecting movement thereof between the welding position and the releasing position thereof in directions substantially laterally of the overlapped portions of the strap to thereby accommodate ready release of the strapped object from said strapping machine.

Claim 27

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a first welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap on the side thereof away from said object, a second welding contact member diSposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap and movable laterally thereof between a welding position and a releasing position, said second welding contact member in the welding position thereof extending between the object and the strap for cooperating with said first welding contact member for holding the overlapped portions of the strap in contact with each other to form a welded joint therebetween, said second welding contact member in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding contact members in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, and drive mechanism coupled to said second welding contact member for effecting movement thereof between the welding position and the releasing position thereof in directions substantially laterally of the overlapped portions of the strap to thereby accommodate ready release of the strapped object from said strapping machine.

Claim 28

The strapping machine set forth in claim 21, wherein said second welding contact member is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 29

The strapping machine set forth in claim 21, wherein said first welding contact member comprises a shorting bar, and said second welding contact member comprises a pair of welding electrodes.

Claim 30

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion and for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap overlapping said free end portion thereof, a first welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap on the side thereof away from said object and movable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, a second welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap and movable among a strap-passing position and a welding position and a releasing position, said welding contact members in the respective strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the respective welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members with said second welding contact member extending between the object and the strap, said second welding contact member in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding contact members in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, first drive mechanism coupled to said first and second welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said second welding contact member for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing position and the releasing position thereof, and means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof when said welding contact members are in the welding positions thereof.

Claim 31

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising a strap gripper for gripping the strap adjacent to the leading end thereof to provide a free end portion and for holding the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the free end portion of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof to provide a tensioned reach of strap overlapping said free end portion thereof, a first welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap on the side thereof away from said object and movable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, a second welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap and movable among a strap-passing position and a welding position and a releasing position, said welding contact members in the respective strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the respective welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members with said second welding contact member extending between the object and the strap, said second welding contact member in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding contact members in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, first drive mechanism coupled to said first and second welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, movement of said welding contact members to the welding positions thereof effecting movement of the free end portion of the strap toward and into contact with the overlapping tensioned reach thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said second welding contact member for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing position and the releasing position thereof, and means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof when said welding contact members are in the welding positions thereof.

Claim 32

The strapping machine set forth in claim 24, wherein said welding contact members are movable between the strap-passing positions thereof and the welding positions thereof in directions substantially normal to the plane of the overlapped portions of the strap, said second welding contact member being movable between the strap-passing position and the releasing position thereof in directions substantially laterally of the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 33

The strapping machine set forth in claim 24, wherein each of said first and second drive mechanisms includes a fluid-actuated piston.

Claim 34

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two gripping members movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said gripping members in the open configuration thereof being spaced apart for accommodating free passage of the strap therebetween, said gripping members in the closed configuration thereof cooperating for securely gripping the strap therebetween to hold the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, welding means for forming a welded joint between the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a welding position and a releasing position, said welding means in the welding position thereof extending between the object and the strap and holding the overlapped portions of the strap in contact with each other for forming a welded joint therebetween to provide a welded strap loop, said welding means in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding means in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, drive mechanism coupled to said gripping members for effecting movement thereof between the open configuration and the closed configuration thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said welding means for effecting movement thereof between the welding position and the releasing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said drive mechanism and responsive to completion of said welded strap loop for operating said drive mechanisms to move said gripping members from the closed configuration thereof to the open configuration thereof and to move said welding means from the welding position thereof to the releasing position thereof.

Claim 35

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two gripping members movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said gripping members in the open configuration thereof being spaced apart for accommodating free passage of the strap therebetween, said gripping members in the closed configuration thereof cooperating for securely gripping the strap therebetween to hold the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, welding means for forming a welded joint between the overlapped portions of the strap and movable between a welding position and a releasing position, said welding means in the welding position thereof extending between the object and the strap and holding the overlapped portions of the strap in contact with each other for forming a welded joint therebetween to provide a welded strap loop, said welding means in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding means in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, drive mechanism coupled to said gripping members for effecting movement thereof between the open configuration and the closed configuration thereof, said drive mechanism being coupled to said welding means for effecting movement thereof between the welding position and the releasing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said drive mechanism and responsive to completion of said welded strap loop for operating said drive mechanisms to move said gripping members from the closed configuration thereof to the open configuration thereof and to move said welding means from the welding position thereof to the releasing position thereof.

Claim 36

The strapping machine set forth in claim 27, wherein said welding means is movable to a strap-passing position intermediate the welding position and the releasing position thereof, said welding means being movable between the welding position and the strap-passing position thereof in directions substantially normal to the plane of the overlapped portions of the strap, said welding means being movable between the strap-passing position and the releasing position thereof in directions substantially laterally of the overlapped portions of the strap.

Claim 37

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two gripping members movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said gripping members in the open configuration thereof being spaced apart for accommodating free passage of the strap therebetween, said gripping members in the closed configuration thereof cooperating for securely gripping the strap therebetween to hold the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a first welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap on the side thereof away from said object and moVable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, a second welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap and movable among a strap-passing position and a welding position and a releasing position, said welding contact members in the respective strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the respective welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members with said second welding contact member extending between the object and the strap, means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof to provide a welded strap loop when said welding contact members are in the welding positions thereof, said second welding contact member in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding contact members in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, a shear blade movable between a retracted position out of contact with the strap and a shearing position for severing the supply portion of the strap from the welded strap loop, first drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, said first drive mechanism being coupled to said shear blade for effecting movement thereof between the retracted position and the shearing position thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said gripping members for effecting movement thereof between the open configuration and the closed configuration thereof, said second drive mechanism being coupled to said second welding contact member for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing position and the releasing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said drive mechanisms and responsive to tensioning of the strap loop to a predetermined tension for operating said drive mechanisms to form the welded joint and for then operating said drive mechanisms to sequentially move said welding contact members from the welding positions thereof to the strap passing positions thereof and then to move said shear blade to the shearing position thereof to sever the supply portion of the strap and then to move said gripping members to the open configuration thereof and then to move said second welding contact member from the strap-passing position thereof to the releasing position thereof.

Claim 38

A strapping machine for securing a length of strap around an object, said strapping machine comprising two gripping members movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said gripping members in the open configuration thereof being spaced apart for accommodating free passage of the strap therebetween, said gripping members in the closed configuration thereof cooperating for securely gripping the strap therebetween to hold the strap encircled in a loop about the object with the leading end of the strap overlapping the supply portion thereof, tensioning means for tensioning the loop of strap by withdrawing the supply portion thereof relative to the leading end thereof, a first welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap on the side thereof away from said object and moVable between a strap-passing position and a welding position, a second welding contact member disposed adjacent to the overlapped portions of the strap and movable among a strap-passing position and a welding position and a releasing position, said welding contact members in the respective strap-passing positions thereof being spaced apart for accommodating ready passage of the strap therebetween, said welding contact members in the respective welding positions thereof cooperating firmly to clamp the free end portion of the strap against the tensioned reach of strap and between said welding contact members with said second welding contact member extending between the object and the strap, means coupling said welding contact members to a source of electric power for forming a welded joint between the free end portion of the strap and the overlapping tensioned reach thereof to provide a welded strap loop when said welding contact members are in the welding positions thereof, said second welding contact member in the releasing position thereof being disposed from between the object and the strap for accommodating removal of the welded strap loop from said welding contact members in any of a plurality of directions substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent portion of the strap, a shear blade movable between a retracted position out of contact with the strap and a shearing position for severing the supply portion of the strap from the welded strap loop, first drive mechanism coupled to said welding contact members for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing positions and the welding positions thereof, said first drive mechanism being coupled to said shear blade for effecting movement thereof between the retracted position and the shearing position thereof, second drive mechanism coupled to said gripping members for effecting movement thereof between the open configuration and the closed configuration thereof, said second drive mechanism being coupled to said second welding contact member for effecting movement thereof between the strap-passing position and the releasing position thereof, and control apparatus coupled to said drive mechanisms and responsive to tensioning of the strap loop to a predetermined tension for operating said drive mechanisms to form the welded joint and for then operating said drive mechanisms to sequentially move said welding contact members from the welding positions thereof to the strap passing positions thereof and then to move said shear blade to the shearing position thereof to sever the supply portion of the strap and then to move said gripping members to the open configuration thereof and then to move said second welding contact member from the strap-passing position thereof to the releasing position thereof.

Claim 39

The strapping machine set forth in claim 29, wherein each of said first and second drive mechanisms includes a fluid-actuated piston.