Patent ID: 6047742
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A band tightening apparatus comprising:a tension handle, a cutting means, a tightening mechanism, and a holding mechanism mounted on a frame of said apparatus; wherein said holding mechanism comprisesan eccentric shaft with a gripper mounting body attached to an offset end of said eccentric shaft,a moving gripper plate and a stationary gripper plate, said moving gripper plate is pivotally mounted on said mounting body by means of a gripper shaft, said moving gripper plate is mounted so that a front end of said moving gripper plate is angled upward at an angle of 3.degree.-5.degree. relative to said stationary gripper plate,when the band is loaded and tension on said tension handle is removed, a rear end of said moving gripper plate is lowered so that rearmost rows of teeth on said moving gripper contact the band,and when a tightening force is applied by a windlass driven by said tension handle, said moving gripper plate is moved by the tightening force to a loaded position where said moving gripper plate is essentially parallel to said stationary gripper plate, thereby allowing said gripper plates to secure the band,and when the band is sufficiently tightened and secured, the user pushes tension handle downward to a cutting position, thereby activating said cutting mechanism to cut the band.