Patent ID: 6966163

Claim:
A method for banding product from a production line comprising the steps of: providing a band; providing a strapping machine for handling said band; maintaining said strapping machine in a stationary position; providing a guide element, said guide element being movable between a first position adjacent said strapping machine and a second position spaced from said strapping machine; cradling product to be banded; moving said product adjacent to said strapping machine, including moving said product in a vertical direction and positioning said product in a horizontal disposition; moving said guide element to said first position; dispensing a length of band from said strapping machine to said guide element, said guide element directing said length of band around said product; returning said band to said strapping machine; moving said guide element in a horizontal direction between said first position and said second position; separating said band from said guide element as said guide element moves to said second position; tightening said band around said product; attaching said band to itself; and moving said banded product away from said strapping machine.