Patent Publication Number: US-2023150705-A1

Title: Strapping Tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/332,768, entitled “Strapping Tool”, filed on May 27, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/030,469, entitled “Strapping Tool”, filed on May 27, 2020, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. 
     This patent application also incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/282,235, entitled “Strapping Tool”, filed on Feb. 21, 2019, and U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/804,415, entitled “Strapping Tensioning And Sealing Tool”, filed on Nov. 6, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,745,158. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention generally relates to a strapping tool. More particularly, the invention relates to a strapping tool that is configured to apply tension to a piece of strapping, and/or to notch or crimp a strapping seal member that secures end portions of the piece of strapping to one another. 
     2. Background 
     Various tools are known in the packaging art for performing numerous functions related to the manipulation of strapping, which is commonly used as a closing mechanism for packages, and as a convenient means for easily attaching two objects to one another (e.g., attaching a box to a pallet). Some of these conventional tools are powered directly from a centralized system, such as a building electrical system or a central pneumatic system. Other conventional packaging tools have a power supply that is an integral part of the tool. Both of the aforementioned types of conventional packaging tools have numerous limitations and drawbacks. For example, conventional combination strapping tools, which perform both tensioning and sealing operations, utilize a vast array of intricate components, resulting in these tools being heavy, overly complicated, and quite expensive. 
     Further, many of the various tools known in the packaging art notch or crimp a strapping seal member using jaws that squeeze the strapping seal member. Because such these conventional tools comprise many intricate components subject to failure, they are often not as reliable as desired by the users thereof. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a strapping tool that utilizes fewer and simpler components than conventional tools so as to reduce the overall complexity of the tool, and thereby provide a more cost effective alternative for performing strapping operations. Moreover, there is a need for a strapping tool that is more reliable than conventional strapping tools so as to minimize the disruption of strapping operations resulting from tool repairs and replacements. Furthermore, there is a need for a strapping tool that is easier to transport than conventional strapping tools. In addition, there is a need for a strapping tool that employs stamping, such as using a punch and die, rather than squeezing, to create a notch in a strap. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a strapping tool that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a strapping tool. The strapping tool includes a motive power source; and a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a first punch and a die. The first punch and die are configured to crimp or cut a notch in a strapping seal member and/or a piece of strapping so as to secure the piece of strapping around a package or bundle of items. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the motive power source comprises one of: (i) a pneumatic motor, (ii) an electric motor, (iii) a liquid fuel-based motor, (iv) a piston, and (v) a handle. 
     In another further embodiment of the present invention, the strapping tool may further comprise a cam member and a follower member. The cam member operatively couples the follower member to the motive power source, and the follower member cooperates with the die and is configured to position the die beneath the strapping seal member. 
     In still another further embodiment of the present invention, the strapping tool may further comprise an actuator operatively coupled to the motive power source. The actuator is configured to drive the first punch into the strapping seal member and/or the piece of strapping proximate to the die thereby crimping or cutting the notch in the strapping seal member and/or the piece of strapping. 
     In yet another further embodiment of the present invention, the strapping tool may further comprise a tensioning assembly operatively coupled to the motive power source. The tensioning assembly includes a cam member and at least one tensioning foot member. The cam member operatively couples the at least one tensioning foot member to the motive power source, and the at least one tensioning foot member of the tensioning assembly is configured to apply tension to the piece of strapping while being driven in an oscillatory manner by the motive power source. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the strapping tool described immediately above, the die may comprise a bottom support portion and a side support portion. The bottom support portion and the side support portion hold the strapping seal member in place during operation. 
     In a second alternate embodiment of the strapping tool described immediately above, the sealing assembly may further comprise a second punch, and the first punch is disposed in front of the die and the second punch disposed behind the die during operation. 
     In a third alternate embodiment of the strapping tool described immediately above, the strapping tool may further comprise a die lifting assembly, the die lifting assembly including a handle member operatively coupled to the die; and wherein, when the handle member is depressed by a user, the die is configured to be raised out of the strapping pass line of the strapping tool. 
     In still another further embodiment of the present invention, the strapping tool may further comprise a drive component operatively coupling the motive power source to the sealing assembly, the drive component configured to position the die beneath the strapping seal member. 
     In accordance with one or more other embodiments of present invention, there is provided a strapping tool. The strapping tool including a motive power source and a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a die configured to hold a strapping seal member, a first punch, a second punch, a follower member, a cam member, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The follower member is configured to cooperate with the die so as to position at least a portion of the die beneath the strapping seal member. The cam member operatively couples the follower member to the motive power source. When positioned by the follower member, the die holds a strapping seal member. 
     The first punch and the second punch are respectively disposed in front of and behind the die to crimp or cut first and second notches, respectively, in the strapping seal member and/or a piece of strapping. The first and second actuators are coupled to the motive power source, and configured to drive the first punch and second punch, respectively, into the strapping seal member and/or the piece of strapping proximate to the die thereby notching or crimping the strapping seal member and/or the piece of strapping. 
     In another further embodiment of the present invention, the strapping tool may further comprise a tensioning assembly operatively coupled to the motive power source. The tensioning assembly may include a tensioning cam member and at least one tensioning foot member. The tensioning cam member operatively couples the at least one tensioning foot member to the motive power source, and the at least one tensioning foot member of the tensioning assembly is configured to apply tension to the piece of strapping while being driven in an oscillatory manner by the motive power source. 
     In still another further embodiment of the present invention, the die of the strapping tool may comprise a bottom support portion and a side support portion, the bottom support portion, and the side support portion may hold the strapping seal member in place during operation. 
     In yet another further embodiment of the present invention, the strapping tool may further comprise a die lifting assembly, the die lifting assembly including a handle member operatively coupled to the die; and wherein, when the handle member is depressed by a user, the die is configured to be raised out of the strapping pass line of the strapping tool. 
     In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, the motive power source comprises one of: (i) a pneumatic motor, (ii) an electric motor, and (iii) a liquid fuel-based motor. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the strapping tool described immediately above, the strapping tool further comprises a tensioning assembly, the tensioning assembly is configured to apply tension to the piece of strapping, and wherein the motive power source supplies power to both the sealing assembly and the tensioning assembly by means of a drive shaft. 
     In a second alternate embodiment of the strapping tool described immediately above, the strapping tool further comprises one or more one-way bearings disposed on the drive shaft so as to enable the tensioning assembly to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft in a first rotational direction and the sealing assembly may be actuated by rotating the drive shaft in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. 
     In a second alternate embodiment of the strapping tool described immediately above, the strapping tool further comprises a single control button configured to control the operation of both the tensioning assembly and the sealing assembly. 
     In yet another further embodiment of the present invention, the sealing assembly further comprises an additional die that is configured to remain stationary. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an assembled perspective view of a strapping tool, according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the opposite side of the strapping tool is illustrated together with a piece of strapping and seal member; 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom perspective view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the strapping tool is shown notching a seal member of a piece of strapping; 
         FIG.  4    is a first perspective view of a punch and die driver assembly of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a second perspective view of a punch and die driver assembly of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded perspective view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7   a    is a perspective view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the front cover of the sealing assembly has been removed, and the dies are in a sealing position and the front and rear punches are raised; 
         FIG.  7   b    is a front elevational view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the front cover of the sealing assembly has been removed, and the dies are in a sealing position and the front and rear punches are raised; 
         FIG.  8   a    is a perspective view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the front cover of the sealing assembly has been removed, and the dies are in a loading position and the front and rear punches are raised; 
         FIG.  8   b    is a front elevational view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the front cover of the sealing assembly has been removed, and the dies are in a loading position and the front and rear punches are raised; 
         FIG.  9    is a side elevational view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , wherein the front cover of the sealing assembly has been removed, and the cover of the tensioning assembly has been removed so as to illustrate the internal components of the tensioning assembly; 
         FIG.  10    is an enlarged partial side view of the tensioning assembly (Detail “A”); 
         FIG.  11    is a side perspective view of the sealing assembly and tension assembly of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a side perspective view of the sealing assembly and tension assembly of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , illustrating components of the tension assembly; 
         FIGS.  13   a - 13   f    are a series of front end views of the internal components of the sealing assembly of the strapping tool of  FIG.  1   , illustrating the sealing assembly at various phases of operation; 
         FIG.  14    is a front end view of a strapping tool according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention employing a fixed die and a movable die; 
         FIG.  15    is a side elevational view of a strapping tool according to another alternate embodiment employing a manual control for placing a die; and 
         FIG.  16    is a front elevational view of the strapping tool of  FIG.  15   . 
     
    
    
     It should be understood all references to direction and position in the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the strapping tools as presented in the drawings. For example, in  FIG.  7   b    and other front end views depicted in the drawings, the left side of the tool refers to the left side of the front end view, and the right side of the tool refers to right side of the front end view. 
     Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once. 
     DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     The following reference characters identify the associated elements depicted in the drawings describing the present invention: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ref. 
                 Element 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                  10 
                 Front Housing Member 
               
               
                   
                  16a 
                 Right Die 
               
               
                   
                  16b 
                 Left Die 
               
               
                   
                  17a 
                 Right Upper Die Pin 
               
               
                   
                  17b 
                 Left Upper Die Pin 
               
               
                   
                  18a 
                 Right Lower Die Pin 
               
               
                   
                  18b 
                 Left Lower Die Pin 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 Front Punch 
               
               
                   
                  21 
                 Front Punch Pin 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 Rear Punch 
               
               
                   
                  23 
                 Rear Punch Pin 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 Follower Member 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 Rear Spline 
               
               
                   
                  32 
                 Front Spline 
               
               
                   
                  50 
                 Cutter 
               
               
                   
                  51 
                 Seal Stop 
               
               
                   
                  52 
                 Holding Leg 
               
               
                   
                  53 
                 Leg Pin 
               
               
                   
                  54 
                 Holding Foot 
               
               
                   
                  55 
                 Foot Bracket 
               
               
                   
                  56 
                 Strap Pinch Pin 
               
               
                   
                  57 
                 Foot Bracket Screw 
               
               
                   
                  58 
                 Tension Foot 
               
               
                   
                  59 
                 Foot Pin 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 Tension Leg 
               
               
                   
                  61 
                 Screw 
               
               
                   
                  62 
                 Punch Actuator (Rear) 
               
               
                   
                  63 
                 Cutter Roller 
               
               
                   
                  64 
                 Rear Punch Housing 
               
               
                   
                  65 
                 Punch Actuator (Front) 
               
               
                   
                  66 
                 Cutter Blade Pin 
               
               
                   
                  67 
                 Cutter Actuator 
               
               
                   
                  68 
                 Front Screw 
               
               
                   
                  69 
                 Rear Screw 
               
               
                   
                  70 
                 Cover Plate 
               
               
                   
                  71 
                 Side Plate 
               
               
                   
                  72 
                 Tension Frame Housing 
               
               
                   
                  74 
                 Plate Member 
               
               
                   
                  75 
                 Screw 
               
               
                   
                  77 
                 Gear Reducer and Drive Assembly 
               
               
                   
                  76 
                 Tension Cam Bracket 
               
               
                   
                  78 
                 Motive Power Source 
               
               
                   
                  79 
                 Strap Ramp 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 Battery Pack 
               
               
                   
                  81a 
                 First Housing Portion 
               
               
                   
                  81b 
                 Second Housing Portion 
               
               
                   
                  88 
                 Upper Handle Portion 
               
               
                   
                  90 
                 Control Button 
               
               
                   
                  94 
                 Sealing Assembly 
               
               
                   
                  96 
                 Tensioning Assembly 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 First Example Strapping Tool 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 Strapping 
               
               
                   
                 106 
                 Strapping Seal Member 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 Notched Portion of Seal Member 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 Punch and Die Actuator 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 Die Cam 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 Gear Reducer 
               
               
                   
                 115 
                 Rear Bearing 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 Front Bearing 
               
               
                   
                 117 
                 Central Portion of Gear Reducer 
               
               
                   
                 118 
                 Drive Shaft 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 Punch and Die Driver Assembly 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 Punch and Die Driver Subassembly 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 Second Example Strapping Tool 
               
               
                   
                 216 
                 Stationary Die 
               
               
                   
                 217 
                 Moveable Die 
               
               
                   
                 228 
                 Follower Member 
               
               
                   
                 300 
                 Third Example Strapping Tool 
               
               
                   
                 316 
                 Stationary Die 
               
               
                   
                 317 
                 Movable Die 
               
               
                   
                 318 
                 Drive Shaft 
               
               
                   
                 320 
                 Front Punch 
               
               
                   
                 328 
                 Actuator Link 
               
               
                   
                 365 
                 Punch Link 
               
               
                   
                 394 
                 Sealing Assembly 
               
               
                   
                 396 
                 Tensioning Assembly 
               
               
                   
                 386 
                 Displaceable Handle Portion 
               
               
                   
                 388 
                 Stationary Handle Portion 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A first illustrative embodiment of the strapping tool is seen generally at  100  in  FIGS.  1 - 13     f . An exploded perspective view of the assemblies that form the strapping tool  100  is depicted in  FIG.  6   . 
     Initially with reference to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the strapping tool  100  may be operated by a user using handle  88  and control button  90 . Further, it can be seen that the strapping tool  100  generally comprises a motive power source  78 ; a tensioning assembly  96  operatively coupled to the motive power source  78 , and configured to apply tension to a piece of strapping  102 ; and a sealing assembly  94  operatively coupled to the motive power source  78 , and configured to notch a strapping seal member  106  so as to secure a piece of strapping  102  (see  FIGS.  2  and  3   ) around a package or bundle of items. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the internal components of the sealing assembly  94  are housed within the front housing member  10  of the strapping tool  100 . The internal components of the tensioning assembly  96  are housed behind and protected by cover plate  70 . The front housing member  10  encloses the constituent components of the sealing assembly  94 . Also, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , it can be seen that that the strapping tool  100  is provided with a rechargeable battery pack  80  that is removable from its battery mount on the rear end portion of the strapping tool  100  so that the battery  80  can be easily charged. In the illustrative embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack  80  is capable of powering both the electric motor  78  that drives both the tensioning assembly  96  and the sealing assembly  94 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the strapping tool  100  further comprises a control system operatively coupled to the electric motor  78  for controlling the operation of the tensioning and sealing assemblies  96 ,  94 . As shown, the control system of the illustrative strapping tool  100  includes a single control button  90  configured to control the operation of both the tensioning assembly  96  and the sealing assembly  94  (i.e., when depressed by a user, the control button  90  initiates the tensioning and sealing operations of the strapping tool  100 ). Although, while a single control button  90  is used in the illustrative embodiment, in other alternative embodiments, the control system of the strapping tool  100  may include a plurality of control buttons or manual controls for controlling the tensioning and sealing operations of the tool  100 . In these alternative embodiments, at least a first one of the control buttons may be configured to control the operation of the tensioning assembly  96 , while at least a second one of the control buttons may be configured to control the operation of the sealing assembly  94 . In the illustrative embodiment, the control system of the strapping tool  100  further comprises a microcontroller for performing the central processing operations for the control of the strapping tool  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , punch and die driver assembly  120  with punch and die driver subassembly  122  is shown. It can be seen that the sealing assembly receives motive power via punch and die driver assembly  120 . The motive power source  78  delivers power via drive shaft  118  which drives punch and die actuator  110 , front punch actuator  65  (best shown in  FIG.  6   ), and rear punch actuator  62 . Punch and die actuator  110  includes a cam  112  that cooperates with a lifter or follower element  28  to raise and lower dies into position. Punch and die assembly  120  further includes bearings  115 ,  116  which receive the rotation of punch and die actuator  110 . Bearing  115  is disposed in the space between a cam formed in punch and die actuator  110  and rear punch actuator  62 . Bearing  116  is disposed in the space between a cam formed in punch and die actuator  110  and front punch actuator  65 . 
     Driver assembly further includes 5:1 gear reducer  114  for controlling rotational power received from drive shaft  118 . The rear spline  30  is on the input side of the gear reducer  114 , while the front spline  32  is on the output side of the gear reducer  114 . The cutter actuator  67  is also driven by the drive shaft  118  that provides power to the sealing assembly  94  and the tensioning assembly  96 . The cutter actuator  67  revolves around the drive shaft  118  and physically pushes the cutting blade  50  down through the strapping, thereby slicing the excess end portion of the strap so that it can be removed from the remainder of the strap. 
     As shown in the exploded view of  FIG.  6   , in the illustrative embodiment, the tensioning assembly  96  of the strapping tool  100  comprises a holding leg  52 , a holding foot  54 , a holding leg pin  56 , a tension leg  60 , a tension foot  58 , and a tension leg pin  53 . Tensioning assembly further comprises a tension frame housing  72 , and a tension cam bracket  76 . When the piece of strapping  102  is being tensioned (as shown in  FIGS.  9 - 11   ), the holding leg  52  with associated holding foot  54  holds the strap  102  in place so that the strap is unable to slide in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. In the illustrative embodiment, the holding leg  52  is pivotally mounted to the tension frame housing  72  by means of the holding bar pin  56 . During the tensioning of the strap  102 , the holding leg  52  is not driven by the motor  78 , but rather is manually pivotable about the holding leg pin  56 . In the illustrative embodiment, the holding foot  54 , which is disposed at the bottom of the holding leg  52 , may be formed from a suitable steel material so that the holding foot  54  is able to frictionally engage, and hold the strap  102  in place as it is being tensioned (see  FIGS.  9 - 11   ). The tensioning foot member  58 , which is driven by the motor  78  during the tensioning of the strap  102 , is pivotable about the tension leg pin  53  during the tensioning of the strap  102 . The tension leg pin  53  connects the tension leg  60  to the tension cam bracket  76 , and is received within an oval-shaped aperture in the tension frame housing  72 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the tension leg  60  is provided with a bracket  55  mounted to a side thereof by means of a screw  57 . The bracket  55  prevents the grinding of the tensioning foot member  58  on the deck of the tensioning assembly  96 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , in the illustrative embodiment, the motor  78  supplies power to both the sealing assembly  94  and the tensioning assembly  96  by means of the single drive shaft  118 . In the illustrative embodiment, with reference to the punch and die driver subassembly  122  depicted in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the strapping tool  100  further comprises a plurality of one-way bearings  115 ,  116  disposed on the punch and die actuator  110  and a one-way bearing provided as part of the gear reducer and drive assembly  77  so as to enable the tensioning assembly  96  to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft  118  in a first rotational direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction), and the sealing assembly  94  and the cutting operations to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft  118  in a second rotational direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) that is opposite to the first rotational direction. As a result of the one-way bearings  115 ,  116 , the punch and die actuator  110  does not rotate when the drive shaft  118  rotates in the first rotational direction, and the tension cam member does not rotate when the drive shaft  118  rotates in the second rotational direction. 
     While one-way bearings  115 ,  116  are utilized in the illustrative embodiment for regulating the tensioning, sealing, and cutting operations of the strapping tool  100 , other means for controlling the directional rotation of the punch and die actuator  110  may be used. For example, in one or more alternative embodiments, a clutch subassembly may be operatively coupled to the drive shaft  118  rather than the one-way bearings  115 ,  116  so as to enable the tensioning assembly  96  to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft  118  in a first rotational direction and the sealing assembly  94  and the cutting operations to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft  118  in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. As another example, in one or more other alternative embodiments, a one-way ratchet subassembly or one-way indexing subassembly may be operatively coupled to the cam drive shaft  118  rather than the one-way bearings  115 ,  116  so as to enable the tensioning assembly  96  to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft  118  in a first rotational direction and the sealing assembly  94  and the cutting operations to be actuated by rotating the drive shaft  118  in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the motive power source  78  is in the form of electric motor powered by the battery pack  80 . However, in other embodiments, other types of motive power sources may be used, such as pneumatic motors, liquid fuel-based motors (e.g., gasoline-powered motors), motors driven by mechanical spring assemblies, and manually-actuated power sources (e.g., a power source driven by the turning of a crank by user, etc.). 
     Also, while a single electric motor  78  drives both the tensioning assembly  96  and the sealing assembly  94  in the illustrative embodiment, separate motors may be used for the tensioning and sealing assemblies  96 ,  94  in alternative embodiments. 
     Next, with reference primarily to  FIGS.  4 - 6 ,  7     a - 8   b , and  13   a - 13   f , the sealing assembly  94  of the illustrative strapping tool  100  will be described in detail. In the illustrative embodiment, referring initially to  FIGS.  4 - 6  and  7     a - 7   b , it can be seen that the sealing assembly  94  generally includes a punch and die actuator  110 , a follower member  28  and a pair of die members  16   a ,  16   b . As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the punch and die actuator  110  of the sealing assembly  94  comprises the punch and die actuator  110  coupled to the drive shaft  118  driven by motor  78 . In the illustrative embodiment, the punch and die actuator  110  is eccentric, and thus has a variable radii cam surface geometry. Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the sealing assembly  94  comprises the pair of die members  16   a  and  16   b . As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  13     a - 13   f , it can be seen that the die members,  16   a  and  16   b , each comprise cutting surfaces for forming the notched portions  108  in the seal member  106  (see  FIG.  8   a   ). In addition, referring to  FIGS.  4  and  6   , the punch and die actuator  110  is operatively coupled to the electric motor  78  by means of the drive shaft  118  (i.e., the punch and die actuator  110  is rotated by the drive shaft  118 ). The punch and die actuator  110  is operatively coupled to the front pair of die members,  16   a  and  16   b , by the follower member  28  so as to selectively activate the pair of die members  16   a  and  16   b  (see  FIGS.  7   b ,  8   b  and  13   a - 13   f   ). In the illustrative embodiment, the follower member  28  is in the form of a plate member with a central aperture formed therein for receiving the cam  112  of the punch and die actuator  110 . In the illustrative embodiment, the punch and die driver subassembly  122  of the sealing assembly  94  may be in the form of a positive drive shaft with cam  112  where the follower member  28  is disposed around, and circumscribes the cam  112  of the punch and die actuator  110 . 
     Now, with reference primarily to  FIGS.  6  and  9 - 12   , the functionality of the tensioning assembly  96  of the strapping tool  100  will be described. Initially, when the drive shaft  118  is driven in a tensioning direction by the motor  78 , the tension cam bracket  76 , which acts as a follower, is either driven up or down by a tension member, which may be in the form of an eccentric cam member in the illustrative embodiment. In turn, the up and down displacement of the tension bracket  76  causes the tensioning leg member  60 , which is operatively coupled to the tension bracket  76  by the pin  53 , to oscillate backwards and forwards so as to apply tension to the strap  102 . In other embodiments, the displacement of the tension bracket  76  may include lateral displacements as well as the generally vertical displacements of the illustrative embodiment (e.g., the tension cam bracket  76  may be diagonally displaced). In particular, referring to  FIG.  11   , it can be seen that the end of the strap  102  being tensioned initially is loaded into the tension assembly  96  before tension has been applied thereto. Then, as tension is being applied to the strap  102  during a cycle by the tensioning foot  58  on the end of the tensioning leg member  60 , the end of the strap  102  has been displaced backward (i.e., the strap  102  has been displaced to the right in  FIG.  11   ). When the tensioning foot  58  is disposed in its tensioning position, the tension cam bracket  76  is driven downwardly so that the tensioning foot  58  is pushed downwardly against the strap  102  for tensioning. After tension has been applied to the strap  102  during the tensioning cycle, tension assembly  96  maintains the tension force thereon throughout the tensioning operation until the strap  102  is notched by punches  20  and  22 . In the illustrative embodiment, during the tensioning operation of the strapping tool  100 , the tensioning foot  58  advances the tensioned strap  102  a predetermined amount (e.g., about one-eighth of an inch) during each cycle. During the tensioning operation, the tensioning foot  58  continually grabs and pulls a predetermined amount of strapping  102  through the seal member and the holding foot  54  prevents the strapping  102  from slipping back. During each tensioning cycle, the foot  58  resets and grabs another predetermined amount of strap  102  (e.g., about one-eighth of an inch) as it is forced down and out the back of the tool  100 . After sufficient tension is applied to the strap, the tensioning operation is concluded, and the sealing operations described hereinafter are performed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7   a - 8   b  and  13   a - 13   f   , strapping tool  100  is illustrated in various configurations throughout a sealing operation. Each configuration of strapping tool  100  is based on a rotated position of drive shaft  118 . In  FIGS.  8   a  and  8   b   , the strapping tool  100  is illustrated in a configuration operative to receive strap  102  and sealing member  106 . As shown, the drive shaft  118  of strapping tool  100  is disposed in a position such that dies  16   a  and  16   b  are rotated to an open position, thereby enabling a user to load the strapping tool  100  with strap  102  and sealing member  106  into the tensioning assembly  96  of the tool. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7   a  and  7   b   , drive shaft  118  is illustrated as having been rotated from the position shown in  FIGS.  8   a  and  8   b    such that the punch and die actuator  110  has forced dies  16   a  and  16   b  into a closed position in preparation for receiving punches  20  and  22  during the sealing operation. 
       FIGS.  13   a - 13   f    sequentially illustrate the configurations of sealing tool  100  during successive phases of the sealing operation.  FIG.  13   a   , illustrates the strapping tool in a configuration similar to that shown in  FIGS.  8   a  and  8   b   , with a strap  102  and sealing member  106  loaded into the tool. 
       FIG.  13   b    illustrates the strapping tool  100  in a second phase of the sealing process. Drive shaft  118  is rotated such that dies  16   a  and  16   b  are positioned to receive punches  20  and  22  during the sealing operation. The configuration illustrated in  FIG.  13   b    is the same as that of  FIGS.  7   a  and  7   b    except that in  FIG.  13   b    the tool is operating on strap  102  and sealing member  106 . 
       FIG.  13   c    illustrates the strapping tool  100  in a third phase of the sealing process. Drive shaft  118  is further rotated by the motor  78  such that front punch  20  is thrust straight downward into sealing member  106  thereby creating a first notch in sealing member  106  and strap  102 . During this phase, die members  16   a  and  16   b  remain positioned as illustrated in  FIG.  13     b.    
       FIG.  13   d    illustrates the strapping tool  100  in a fourth phase of the sealing process. Drive shaft  118  is further rotated by the motor  78  such that rear punch  22  is thrust straight downward into sealing member  106  thereby creating a second notch in sealing member  106  and strap  102 . During this phase, die members  16   a  and  16   b  remain positioned as illustrated in  FIG.  13     b.    
       FIG.  13   e    illustrates the strapping tool  100  in a fifth phase of the sealing process. Drive shaft  118  is further rotated by the motor  78  such that front punch  20  is raised and cleared from the first notch in sealing member  106 . 
       FIG.  13   f    illustrates the strapping tool  100  in a sixth phase of the sealing process. Drive shaft  118  is further rotated by the motor  78  such that rear punch  22  is raised and cleared from the second notch in sealing member  106 . Upon further rotation of drive shaft  118  by motor  78 , sealing tool  100  will be configured with dies  16   a  and  16   b  rotated such that they are open, and punches  20  and  22  are raised sufficiently to allow strap  102  and notched sealing member  106  to be removed from the sealing tool. Once so removed, sealing tool  100  is configured to receive another strap  102  and sealing member  106 , and begin the sealing process again, as shown in  FIGS.  8   a    and  8   b.    
     It should be understood that the phases of the sealing operation described with respect to  FIGS.  13   a - 13   f    do not need to be completely discrete with respect to one another. For example, the closing of dies  16   a  and  16   b  (as illustrated in  FIG.  13   b   ) may not be completely finished before punch  20  begins to be thrust downward (as illustrated in  FIG.  13   c   ). Likewise, either or both of punches  20  and  22  may still be rising as dies  16   a  and  16   b  are rotated into their open configurations (as shown in  FIGS.  8   a ,  8   b , and  13   a   ). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the punches  20  and  22  may be configured to be driven down in unison, rather than the front punch  20  being thrust downward into the seal member  106  prior to the rear punch  22  being thrust downward into the seal member  106 . 
     A second illustrative embodiment  200  of a strapping tool is illustrated in  FIG.  14   . Referring to  FIG.  14   , it can be seen that, in many respects, the second illustrative embodiment of the strapping tool is similar to that of the first illustrative embodiment. Moreover, many elements are common to both such embodiments. The primary difference between strapping tools  100  and  200  is the mechanism for positioning the dies used to create notches in strap  102 . 
     Strapping tool  200  comprises a stationary die  216  and a moveable die  217 . Stationary die  216  is permanently disposed such that it may cooperate with front punch  20  and/or rear punch  22  whenever either or both are thrust downward to create notches in seal member  106 . 
     Moveable die  217  of strapping tool  200  is similar to right die  16   b  of strapping tool  100  in that each such die may be automatically rotated into a position to cooperate with front punch  20  and/or rear punch  22  to create notches in seal member  106 . During the sealing operation of strapping tool  200 , similar to strapping tool  100 , motive power source  78  rotates drive shaft  118  which in turn rotates punch and die actuator  110 . Through its rotation, punch and die actuator  110  cooperates with follower  228  to automatically rotate moveable die  217  into proper position for notching seal member  106 . 
     A third illustrative embodiment  300  of a strapping tool is illustrated in  FIGS.  15  and  16   . Referring to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , it can be seen that, in many respects, the third illustrative embodiment of the strapping tool is similar to that of the first and second illustrative embodiments. Moreover, many elements are common to all three embodiments. The primary difference between strapping tools  200  and  300  is the mechanism for positioning the dies used to create notches in seal member  106 . 
     Similar to strapping tool  200 , strapping tool  300  comprises a stationary die  316  and a moveable die  317 . Stationary die  316  is permanently disposed such that it may cooperate with front punch  20  and/or rear punch  22  whenever either or both are thrust downward to create notches in seal member  106 . 
     Moveable die  317  of strapping tool  300  is similar to moveable die  217  of strapping tool  200  in that it may be rotated into a position to cooperate with front punch  20  and/or rear punch  22  to create notches in seal member  106 . The mechanism for performing such rotation, however, is different from either of strapping tools  100  and  200 . A user manually causes movable die  317  to be rotated into its operative position. Specifically, strapping tool  300  comprises a displaceable handle portion  386  disposed above stationary handle portion  388 . The front of displaceable handle portion is linked to actuator link  328  which in turn is linked to moveable die  317 . When a user depresses displaceable handle portion  386 , actuator link  328  is lifted and moveable die  317  is rotated into proper position for notching seal member  106 . As with illustrative strapping tools  100  and  200 , automated operation of punches  20  and  22  are controlled by motor  78 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, both dies of the sealing assembly may be configured to remain stationary, rather than one or both dies being displaced. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.