Patent ID: 6619014
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method of sequentially strapping stacks of printed products comprising:conveying the stacks one after another in a conveying direction to a strapping device having a loading position, a strapping position and a discharge position; pressing one of the stacks between a pair of presser arms that extend in a direction opposite the conveying direction while the stack is in the loading position, the presser arms having distal and proximal ends that are aligned to one another, the proximal ends being coupled to a drive and the distal ends comprising forks having at least two prongs that cooperate to define at least one slot-shaped aperture; rotating the stack while the stack is pressed between the presser arms to the strapping position wherein each presser arm extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; placing a loop of strapping tape around the stack and through the slot-shaped apertures while the stack is in the strapping position, wherein the loop of strapping tape is laid out in a plane that is oriented parallel to the connection between the proximal ends of the presser arms and the drive, and wherein the strapping tape passes through a tape guide that moves with the presser arms and stack from the loading position to the strapping position; tightening and locking the strapping tape around the stack while in the strapping position, the strapping tape being pulled through the slot-shaped apertures toward the stack during tightening; and rotating the strapped stack to the discharge position.