Patent ID: 6708606
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A winder for a strapping machine that positions a strap material around a load and tensions the strap material around the load, the winder comprising:a rotating head portion having a stationary element and a pivotal element, the stationary and pivotal elements each defining an outer surface around which the strap material is wound and defining a slot therebetween for receiving the strap material, the stationary and pivotal elements each defining a gripping portion at about respective ends opposingly facing one another, the pivotal element being pivotal between an open position in which the gripping portions are spaced from one another and a closed position in which the gripping portions cooperate with one another to engage and secure the strap material therebetween, the pivotal element being biased to the open position, the pivotal element including a pin extending therefrom; and a track portion stationary relative to the rotating head portion, the track having a generally circular shape and configured for the pin to traverse around the track, the track having a first portion having a first diameter and a second diameter less than the first diameter, wherein the winder rotates from a home position in which the pin is in the first portion of the track and the winder is in the open position to an other than home position in which the pin is in the second portion of the track such that the pin engages a wall of the track at the second diameter urging the winder toward the closed position.