Patent ID: 7748415
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus to tighten plastic bands comprising: a cutting mechanism, a tightening mechanism, and a band holding mechanism; wherein said cutting mechanism comprises a stationary cutter, a pivoting cutter pivotally mounted inside said stationary cutter, an actuating lever that operates said pivoting cutter, a blade pivotally mounted on said pivoting cutter, and a resilient means; wherein said resilient means creates a resilient force that urges said pivoting cutter away from said stationary cutter during a band loading operation when said actuating lever is operated, such that a clearance is created between a cutting edge of said pivoting cutter and a cutting edge of said stationary cutter so that said pivoting cutter and said stationary cutter do not contact each other during the band loading operation, and wherein when said actuating lever is operated during a band cutting operation with a tightened band present, said resilient force is overcome, thereby eliminating said clearance between said cutting edge of said pivoting cutter and said cutting edge of said stationary cutter so that the band is cut.