Patent ID: 7121194
Filing Date: 2006-10-17
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A winder arrangement for a strapping machine of the type for positioning a strap material around an associated load when in a feed mode and tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load when in a tensioning mode, the strapping machine including a frame, a strap material supply and a strapping head, the strapping machine defining a strap path from the strap material supply to the strapping head, the strapping head including a feed element for conveying the strap material during a feed mode in a first direction around the load and for conveying the strap material in a second direction to tension the strap material around the load, the winder arrangement comprising: a split, biased, non-detented rotating winder for tensioning the material around the load, the winder having a peripheral strap path and a central strap path, the strap material moving through the central strap path when the strap material is conveyed in the first and second directions and wrapping around the peripheral strap path after the strap material has moved in the second direction and when in the tensioning mode; and a winder arm configured for cooperation with the winder, the winder arm biased to rest against the winder to direct strap material to a predetermined region of the strapping machine when the strapping machine transitions from the rewind mode to the feed mode, the winder arm configured to remain in contact with the winder peripheral strap path as the winder rotates, wherein the winder arm is mounted to the strapping machine frame about a pivot, the winder arm is biased by a spring operably connected to the winder arm intermediate the pivot and a free end of the winder arm, and wherein the winder arm includes a roller mounted to the free end thereof, and the roller configured to rest against the winder.